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REBEL INVASION 



OF 



MISSOURI AND KANSAS, 



AND THE 



OAMPAIG-ISr 



OF 



THE ARMY OF THE BORDER, 

AGAINST GENERAL STERLING PRICE, 

IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 18&4. 



By RICHARD J. H IN TON, 

Late Captain "iu Kansas Col'd Vols. 



SECOND EDITION. 



CHICAGO: 

CHURCH & GOODMAN, 53 LaSALLE STREET, 
LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS: 

F . W . MARSHALL, 
1805. 



ElA-m 



|6> 



58137 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, 

By church, GOODMAN & DONNELLRY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, 

For the Northern Disti-ict of Illinois. 



PRINTED BY CHICAGO TYPE FOnJrDP.T: 

CHURCH, GOODMAN & DONNELLEY, J. CONAUAN, 

LA SALLE ST., CHICAGO. STEREOTTPKR. 

COX & DONOHUE, * 

BOOKBINDERS. 



PREFACE. 



The work, of which these words are introductory, is designed to be a full 
and impartial narrative -of the stirring events which occurred in the cam- 
paign whose progress and results it tells. The author has not aimed at 
criticism, except those obvious remarks which naturally grow out of the 
body of works of this character. It has been his desire to do justice where 
it was due; not to give fulsome panegyric. Having participated in the 
operations recorded, with every opportunity of knowing all necessary 
details, as well as the reasons which actuated the policy and movements oi 
those in command, the author hopes ho has succeeded in his main purpose — 
that of telling plainly the history of an important campaign, and thereby 
adding a valuable contribution to the great work which shall one day tell 
the story of the Great Rebellion. 

His secondary object — that of recording the services and sacrifices of our 
volunteers, and especially of the Militia of Kansas — he is hopeful of having 
properly accomplished. 






/ 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
Introductory 3 

CHAPTER II. 
General Price crosses the Arkansas — Organization of the Rebel Army. 11 

CHAPTER HI. 
Invasion of Missouri — Battle of Pilot Knob 16 

CHAPTER IT. 
Movements in the Department of Kansas — Proclamation of Martial Law 28 

CHAPTER V. 
Grand uprising of the People of Kansas 41 

CHAPTER VI. 
Affairs in the City and at Fort Leavenworth 49 

CHAPTER VIL 
Generals Curtis and Blunt take the field — Organization of Troops 56 

CHAPTER VIII. 

March to Lexington — Preparations at the Big Blue — Movements of 

Militia 13 

CHAPTER IX. 
Battle of Lexington 84 

CHAPTER X. 
Battle of the Little Blue 92 

CHAPTER XL 
March of Rosecrans' Cavalry from Jefferson City to Independence 106 

CHAPTER XII. 
Battles on the Big Blue and State Line 122 

CHAPTER Xm. 
Battle of Westport 149 

CHAPTER XIV. 
General Pleasanton's Operations on the twenty- third 168 

CHAPTER XV. 
Pursuit of Price dovrn the State Line 183 



11. CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Attack on the Mound — Battles of Marias des Cygnes and Mine Creek. . 191 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Engagements at the Little Osage and Chariot — March of Moonlight — 
Engagements at Mound City and Eort Lincoln — Rebel Camp on 
Dry wood Creek — Ours at Fort Scott and Marmaton 220 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Fort Scott during the Invasion and the Battles of the 25th — Martial law 

abolished, and Mihtia disbanded — Proclamations of the Governor. 240 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Pursuit from Fort Scott — Battle of Newtonia — General Rosecrans' 

Orders — Consequent abandonment of the Pursuit 259 

CHAPTER XX. 

Resumption of Pursuit — Route of the Rebels — The Pea Ridge Battle- 
Field — Attack on Fayetteville — Gallant defense 219 

CHAPTER XXI. 

From Fayetteville to the Arkansas River — Termination of the Pursuit 

— Storm on the Arkansas — General Orders 289 

CHAPTER XXII. 
The Homeward March — Incidents — Results of Campaign 304 

CHAPTER XXIII, 
General Orders and Congratulations » . . . 313 

APPENDIX. 

In Memoriam 322 

Horatio Knowles 323 

Daniel M. Brown — Dr. L. M. Shadwick — Joseph Stout — Warren 

Hawkins — Albert McGonigle 324 

Wm. A. Delong — Emmet Goss — Orloff Norton 323 

Charles V. Hyde 326 

Rev. Richard Vernon 327 

John Miller— Elder Wilhams— G. L. Gove . . ^ 328 

James Nelson Smith 330 

H. C. Covil 332 

Harvey G. Young — Daniel Handley — Nicholas Brown — George Grinold 

— MeClure Martin — C. H. Budd 333 

Leu Selkin — Merrick D. Race 334 

James Mayrers — Aaron Cook 33.5 

David Fults 336 

Major-General S. R. Curtis 339 

Hon. James II. Lane 342 

Brigadier-Gei>eral John McNeil 345 

Battle of the Little Osage 34? 



ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTOEY. 



While east of the Mississippi River success crowned 
our arms during the entire current of tlie eventful 
year 180-1, west thereof we were generally defeated: 
two splendidly equipped armies almost routed, each 
only saving themselves by great loss of material, as 
well as of men. At the same time, in a portion, at 
least, of the Trans-Mississippi region, over which our 
rule had most successfully re-established, hj reverses 
to our arms the rel)els succeeded, if not in reinstating 
themselves, at least in rendering our control preca- 
rious, and confining the Federal garrisons within the 
limits of their posts. 

When 1864 opened upon the western scene of war, 
it looked on much of the States of Arkansas and 
Louisiana under control of our arms ; on the rebel 



4 AKMY OF THE BORDER. 

Indians and their allies in the territory west of 
Arkansas, broken and discomfited ; upon attempts 
to re-organize loyal state governments in the afore- 
named states, and upon an appai'ently discouraged 
and defeated foe. 

Major-General Banks commanded the Department 
of the Gulf, Avhich included Louisiana and Texas. 
Major-General Fred'k Steele commanded the Depart- 
ment of Arkansas (which was included in the 
Division of the Mississippi, under General W. T. 
Sherman). Major-General Rosecrans that of Mis- 
souri ; and Major-General S. R. Curtis that of 
Kansas. The latter comprised the State of Kansas, 
the Indian Territory and the Territories of Nebraska 
and Colorado. At this time General Banks was 
earnestly engaged in reconstructing the Louisiana 
State Government. In Arkansas the Union people 
were engaged in the same laudable task. Our 
armies in both States had been hitherto successful. 

This was the position when, in March, the Bed 
Biver expedition set forth under General Banks. In 
April following, a conjoint movement, or what was 
presumed to be such, was made by General Steele 
from Little Bock and Fort Smith, in the direction of 
Camden. The results of those ill-starred movements 
is now historic. It becames necessary to allude to 
to them, however, in order to make complete the 
position in which we stood at the time the rebel 
Lieut. -General Sterling Brice made his last great 
raid — one which, in distance from base, extent of 



INTEODTTCTOEY. O 

country traversed, and objects aimed at, was hardly 
less stupendous in character to those whose magnifi- 
cent success have illumined with new lustre the 
name of General Sherman. The similitude ends, 
however, when success is named. 

By the disastrous results of the spring campaigns 
under Banks and Steele, the rebel forces in their 
Trans-Mississippi Department, from the position of 
defense v.ere enabled to assume the offensive. Our 
forces in the Department of the Gulf were at once 
concentrated by their new commander. General 
Canby, who was also intrusted with the direction of 
affairs in Arkansas and the Indian Territory, which 
latter region had been annexed to General Steele's 
department. The i-ebel forces numbei-ed about 
50,000 men. The Confederate General, Kirby 
Smith, in supreme command. Lieutenant-General 
Magruder commanded in Texas ; General Dick 
Taylor in Louisiana ; while General Sterling Price 
commanded what remained of the r"ebel Missouri 
army, consisting of Marmaduke's division of cavalry, 
Major-General Shelby's old brigade, the infantry 
under General Parsons, and the Arkansas rebel regi- 
ments under General Fagan, General Cooper had 
command of the rebel Indians, in the territory 
between the Red and Arkansas Rivers, assisted by a 
couple of Texas brigades, under Generals Gano and 
Maxy. 

Price had about 10,000 veteran troops, well armed, 
equipped and clothed. Jackman, Dobbins, Brooks, 



6 AE]MY OF THE BOEDER. 

and others were Ixisily engaged bushwhacking and 
conscripting in all sections of Arkansas, except the 
immediate vicinity of the posts held by General 
Steele. During the summer he succeeded in con- 
scripting about 8,000 men, a large ^umber of whom 
were boys and old men, unfit for and incapable of 
withstanding the fatigues and hardships incidental to 
all military service ; but especially so to that of the 
Trans-Mississippi Confederate armies with their ill- 
supplied quartermaster bureau. From the spoils of 
Eed River and Camden, General Price received a 
good share of transportation, clothing, small arms, 
several Parrott guns; two captured at Pleasant Hill, 
La., and two from the 8th Indiana battery. Captain 
Rabb, captured at Poison Spring, near Camden, Ark. ; 
four guns taken by Fagan at the Mark Mills, iVrk., 
fitrht, and several howitzers, also taken in the same 
campaign. 

During the summer, the utmost activity prevailed 
among; the rebels in Western and Northern Arkansas. 
Our forces were stationed principally at Fort Smith 
and Little Rock. We had been compelled to with- 
draw the troops from all smaller stations. jN"othing 
of importance, therefore, interfered with the perfect- 
ing, by General Price, of the army with which it was 
rumored he projected an invasion of and wintering in 
Missouri, 

General Rosecrans found himself actively engaged 
in ferreting out and providing against the great rebel 
conspiracy which threatened, at one time during the 



mTRODUCTORY. 7 

summer of 1864, to plunge the States of Indiana, 
Illinois, as well as Missouri, into civil war. This 
treasonable organization, known as the " Order of 
American Knights," had received its impetus in 
Missouri; alike from Northern sympathizers and 
from the agents of General Price ; as elsewhere in 
the Northwest, the impelling force was the Vallan- 
digham Democrats. It is well established that tlie 
movements of Price were expected by those con- 
nected with the order. There is no doubt the great 
raider relied upon receiving aid from this source by 
movements not only in Missouri, but also in Illinois; 
and that tlirougli them he confidently hoped to 
revolutionize Missouri again and re-establish the 
Confederate State Government. What is known in 
the local military and political history of Missouri as 
the Paw-Paw rebellion, was, without doubt, origi- 
nally intended to aid Price's movements. Its pre- 
mature disclosure, however, prevented this, and 
caused its speedy suppression. 

For months rumors were rife in sympathizing cir- 
cles, and anionic the bushwhackers in Missouri that 
" Pap Price" (as the general is familiarly known by 
his admirers) would soon be in the state with a large 
army. It was generally credited by our troops 
stationed on the river and elsewhere in Arkansas, 
that the rebel general intended an advance north- 
wards ; yet this was hardly deemed possil)le by the 
distins-uished soldier commandinof at St. Louis. If 
General Steele knew or credited the rumor, it does 



ARMY OF THE BORDER. 



not appear that be took action thereon. As for 
General Curtis, in command at Fort Leavenworth, 
fully occupied with the important duties entrusted 
to his inadequate forces, it is not surprising that he 
should have deemed it both monstrous and impossi- 
ble that a rebel army could march unchecked in the 
slightest degree, for over two hundred miles beyond 
our advanced lines, into the very heart of our terri- 
tory ; not only without resivStance, but almost un- 
known to the commanding officer of the department 
immediately concerned. 

In Kansas, the military force looked miserably 
insufficient to successfully cope with the enemy, so 
soon to threaten the security of that state. The 
nomadic Indian tribes roaming near the important 
Santa Fe and California roads, had become suddenly 
and fiercely hostile, committing simultaneously 
savage atrocities and depredations upon life and 
property along, not only the overland routes, but 
the unprotected settlements in Kansas, Nebraska 
and Colorado. 

To meet this emergency, as well as to guard the 
eastern and southern borders of Kansas, and protect 
the posts and depots of the army, Gent^ral Curtis' 
force consisted of about 4,500 men. The vast terri- 
tory and the long lines of inter-communication 
rendered the handling of this small force, for the 
objects to be accomplished, one of extreme difficulty. 

The troops in the Department of Kansas consisted 
partly of the 1st and 3rd Colorado volunteer cav- 



INTRODUCTOEY. 9 

airy (tlie latter au hundred day regiment, since mus- 
tered out) ; a portion of the 1st Nebraska cavalry, 
Colonel Livingston ; some three months Nebraska 
troops ; a battalion of the 7th Iowa cavalry, and 
about 300 unassigned recruits of the 3rd Wisconsin 
cavalry. These troops were all employed upon the 
overland mail routes, and in protecting the Frontier 
and Colorado settlements, and were in themselves in- 
adequate for that purpose. In Kansas itself were 
the 11th regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel 
Thomas Moonlif»:ht ; the ir^th Kansas Volunteer 
Cavalry, Colonel Charles K. Jennison ; a small bat- 
talion of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, wdth a section 
of the 2nd Kansas Battery, at Fort Scott, which post 
was under command of Colonel Charles W. Blair, 
14th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry; the IGth Kansas 
(at Fort Leavenworth and Northern Kansas ;) a new 
cavalry organization just completed ; and the ITtli 
Regiment (a battalion of six companies, one hundred 
day men) : these, with McLain's Independent C(j1o- 
rado Battery, and Captain Dodge's 9th Wisconsin 
Battery, constituted the entire volunteer force under 
command of General Curtis. 

At the beginning of September and the date of 
Price's movement northward, Mnjor-Genei-al Curtis 
was in the vicinity of Fort Kearney, with an hastily 
gathered force of volunteers and citizens, endeav- 
oring to find the Indian enemy. Major-General Jas. 
G, Blunt, who had just assumed command of the 
District of LTpper Arkansas (a command created 



1.0 AIIMY OF THE BOEDER. 

from tlie region threatened by Indians in Western 
Kansas and Colorado, south of the Solomon River,) 
was at this time out beyond Fort Larned, in pursuit 
of a larore force of warriors whom he met and 
defeated. 

Major-General Sykes was in command of the 
District of Southern Kansas, with head quarters at 
Lawrence. This section was divided into three 
sub-districts under command of Colonels Jennison, 
Moonlight, and Blair. The supplies for Forts Gibson 
and Smith on the Arkansas, both for troops and 
Indian refugees, were mainly furnished from Fort 
Scott. The protection of route and trains engaged 
all the force stationed in South-Eastern Kansas. At 
this time great activity prevailed, owing to the 
constant alarm and danger to trains on our Southern 
bofder, created by the energy of the rebel General 
(xano, who was operating in the Cherokee nation, 
along the route to Fort Gibson. Such was the state 
of affairs in the Departments of Kansas, Missouri 
and Arkansas, at the time the rebel General com- 
menced his northward march from South- Western 
Arkansas. 



CHAPTER II. 



GENEEAL PEICE CROSSES THE AEKAT^SAS — OEGANIZA- 
TIOI^ OF THE EEBEL AEMY. 

Lieutenant-Genekal Steeling Peice, C. S. A., 
crossed the Arkansas River at Dardennelles, a village 
in Pope connty, Arkansas, about equi-distant from 
Little Rock and Fort Smith, the two principal posts 
occupied by our troops. It is a position of military 
importance, and before tlie spring campaign of '64, 
was held by the 3d regiment Arkansas Volunteers. 

The rebel army has been variously estimated at 
from 5,000 to 15,000 men. General Steele's first 
telegrams, announcing their advance, estimated them 
at 5,000, all mounted. He again reported ii from 
5,000 to 10,000, mostly inftmtry, and later, at J 5,000 
mounted men, with 20 guns. 

Their operations showed the rebel army conr isted, 
at the time of crossing, of about 18,000 armed men, 
nearly all of whom were mounted. Some th' .^e or 
four tliousand recruits and conscripts were ado d in 
Northern Arkansas. 



12 ARMY OF -THE BORDEE. 

This force was organized into three divisions, 
under tlie command respectively of Brevet Major- 
Generals Fagan, Marmaduke and Joe Slielby. 

Fagan's troops were in the main, veteran Arkau- 
sians. His brigades were commanded by Brigadier 
Generals Cabell, McKae, Slemmons, and Colonel 
Dobbins. Among the Colonels and Ileginiental 
Commanders, were Munroe, Hills, Gordon, Reeves, 
Baker, Crandall, Crawford, AVitts, McGee and 
Anderson ; Lieutenant-Colonels Ileefe, Crabtree and 
Corcoran. The division had two Parrott guns, two 
rifled guns, made in Texas, six howitzers, and one 
inch-and-a-half rifled gun, used for picking otf artil- 
leryists, and said to be very eftective ; in all eleven. 

The second division was commanded by Marma- 
duke, and consisted of the cavalry of the Missouri 
State Guard, an organization which, under Price, has 
from the beginning seen much service. Its brigade 
commanders were Brigadier Generals Clarke, 
Graham and Tyler. Its regimental commanders 
were Colonels Freeman, Lowe, Bristow, Green, 
Jeffries, Burbridge, Fauthers and Kitchen, with 
Majors Wood and Wolfe. It had four Parrott and 
James' rifled guns, captured on the Red River, and 
two or three lis^ht howitzers. 

Shelby's division was composed mainly of the old 
busliAvacking, raiding force of Sonthern Missouri, 
inci'eased by a rigorous conscription in Northern 
Arkansas. The notorious partizan leader, Jeff. M. 
Thompson, commanded Shelby's old brigade, and 



KEBEL OEGANIZATIOlSr AIN^D ACTIVITY. 13 

the infamous guerilla, Colonel Jackman, commanded 
the other. Among the Colonels, were Smith, 
Hunter, Slayback, Coffey, Coleman and Schnable. 
Lieutenant-Colonels, Irwin and Elliott, with Major 
Shaw, and Captain Smith commanding the artillery, 
which consisted of six guns, two of them captured 
Parrotts. General Tyler was afterwards placed in 
command of a division, composed of the recruits 
and conscripts gathered in Missouri. 

The route of this army in jSTorthern Arkansas was 
through the counties of Pope, Van Buren, Searcy, 
Izard, Fulton and Lawrence. The rebel movements 
were unmolested. and conducted in the most leisurely 
manner. 

The contradictory intelligence which for two or 
three weeks reached St. Louis and Little Pock, 
served only to confuse Generals Posecrans and 
Curtis. General Steele, who had been largely re-in- 
forced by several thousand infantry, does not seem to 
have been very active. The rebels showed great 
activity in the neighborhood of our posts in Western 
Arkansas, and by demonstrations in the vicinity of 
Forts Smith, Gibson, at Cane Hill, Clarksville, Fay- 
etteville, and along the supply route in the Indian 
Territory. General Gano moved along the latter 
line with two brigades of cavalry, one of Texaus 
and the other of Indians, under Stand Waitie, the 
rebel Cherokee leader. The rebels, Colonel Brooks 
and Major Buck Brown, whose operations in Wash- 
ington and Benton counties, Arkansas, had kept our 



14 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

troops at Fayetteville on the alert all summer, were 
reported at Clarksville, while other forces, marauding 
parties mainly, were reported at Cane Hill, Crawford 
county. By these means and this activity, our 
intelligence w^as confused, and the attention of our 
officers directed from the rebel line of march. 



CHAPTER III. 

INVASION OF MISSOUEI BATTLE OF PILOT KNOB. 

Geneeal Cuetis was encamped upon tlie Solomon 
River in Western Kansas, returning from an expe- 
dition against Indians, wlien Price crossed the 
Arkansas, 

The despatch from Major-General Rosecrans sug- 
gested that their route northward was probably by 
way of Pilot Knob ; whence they could overrun 
Southern Kansas, and join General Cooper in the 
Indian Territory. 

The force under General Rosecrans was mainly 
new troops ; most of the veteran regiments had been 
removed, a large portion to General Steele after the 
disasters of the previous spring. The commander in 
Missouri, warned, not of an expected rebel invasion, 
but by the Paw-Paw insurrection and the discovery 
of the Order of American Knights, had shortly 
before this period obtained authority to raise a num- 
ber of provisional regiments for the period of twelve 
months. The oraranization of this force was under 



16 AElSfY OF THE BOEDER. 

way, at tlie time Price's army entered the state at 
West Plains. These regiments and the state militia 
materially aided our subsequent success. At the 
same time the dispatch relative to the rebel advance 
was received, Colonel Blair at Fort Scott, Kansas, 
received dispatches from Colonel Wattles, 2nd Regi- 
ment Indian brigade, commanding at Fort Gibson, 
C. N., announcing that the rebels under Cooper, 
Gano and Maxy, were advancing through to the 
Choctaw Nation, with apparent intention of crossing 
the Arkansas. Colonel Wattles also reported Price's 
army at 15,000. General Curtis returned from the 
west on the 17th, and immediately commenced such 
preparations for defence as his very limited force 
would allow. yi^>-t ' 

On the 19th of September a supply train for Forts 
Gibson and Smith, which left Fort Scott on the 
12th, under Major Henry Hopkins, 2nd Kansas 
Cavalry, was attacked at Cabin Creek, Cherokee 
Nation, at midnight, by a rebel force under General 
Gano, numbering about 2,500, with several rifled 
guns. Our force consisted of one hundred and fifty 
cavalry, same of dismounted men (white), thirty 
mounted Cherokees and three hundred and thirty 
infantry. (Indians) ; in all six hundred and ten. 
The enemy was held in check by four hundred of 
the escort from 1 P. M. to 7i A. M., when the 
rebel line advanced and ours was driven back, 
fleeing in disorder. They captured the train of 
three hundred wagons, about half belonging to Gov- 



KANSAS MILITIA CALLED FOR. 17 

eriimeiit, tlie l)alaiice, sutlers' and refugee snp 
plies. The major portion of tlie train was Ijurnt ])y 
the enemy. A number of our forces were killed, 
wounded and taken prisoners. 

This event showed the perilous condition of the 
Southern border, with the small force at our disposal, 
and the activity of the enemy. It was a loss of 
great magnitude, depriving this supply route of its 
transportation, and put the garrisons on the Arkansas 
in danger of starvation. Reports were prevalent 
also, of Price's, presence at Cane Hill, Arkansas. 

On the 24tli~ Governor Carney was informed of 
the ap|)roaching danger, and requested to have the 
militia in readiness to co-operate for the defense of 
the State. Promises were made to the Governor, 
tliat, so far as possible, they should mainly be 
employed as garrisons, during the continuance of 
danger. On the night of the 24:th, Gen. Rosecrans 
received information of the rebel advance into Mis- 
souri, by way of Poplar Bluffs and Bloomiield, 
through Butler and Stoddard counties. 

Major General (xeorge Sykes, commanding the 
District of South Kansas, telegraphed on the 21st, a 
report of three thousand rebels marching on Fort 
Scott, and advised that Governor Carney call out the 
militia in the border counties. He also suicsnested the 
concentration of the 15th Regiment Kansas Volun- 
teer Cavalry, at Fort Scott. Two companies of the 
I'rtli Regiment (100 days men,) Kansas Volunteers, 
were sent to Paola, under Lieutenant-Colonel Drake. 
2 



18 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

The Governor made a call upon the border militia 
as requested. 

The telegraphic despatches came faster and still 
more contradictory from General Rosecrans at St. 
Louis, while nothing seemed definitely known of 
Price's movement, though his army at this time, was 
within a few miles of the south line of Missouri. 

On the 24th, General Rosecrans telegraphed Gen- 
eral Curtis, " that he does not credit" General 
Steele's dispatches that "Price with 5,000 to 10,000 
mounted infantry, and seventeen pieces of artillery, 
was at Pocahontas on the 2 2d. On the 25th he 
found reason to believe " that Price is north of the 
Arkansas line in South Missouri." On the next day, 
that his " present" impression is, that Price will move 
toward Jefferson City, betAveen RoUa and Lebanon, 
and pass out towards Kansas. He advised against 
any movement too far South, but urged waiting till 
Price's stren2:th and intentions in Missouri were 
developed. On the 28th, he was again incredulous. 
Shell jy had been reported at Pocahontas, and was 
known to be in the vicinity of Frederickstown, Mo. 
Under date of the 26th, Price and Shelby were seen 
together, between Pocahontas and Curent River. 
In Rosecrans' opinion, Shelby seemed to be opera- 
ting to draw troops off to the south-east. Price had 
a train of from three to four hundred w^agons, prin- 
cipally loaded with ammunition and ordnance 
stores. His army lived on the country and con- 
scripted rigorously as they moved. It is evident 



OUR TROOPS IN MISSOURI. 19 

that General Rosecrans believed the rebels only 
intended a great raid up to the central region, keep- 
ing his main force south of the Osage River, and 
then westward to Kansas, joining Cooper and Gauo 
for a raid therein. 

Brigadier General Sanborn, was in command ot 
the District of South-west Missouri, with head-quar- 
ters at Springfield. The force in his district 
(cavalry), consisted of about 2,000 men, mainly Mis- 
souri State Militia ; it also embraced the 2d Arkan- 
sas Volunteer Cavalry, under Col. Phelps, Jr. 

The district of which Rolla is head-quarters, was 
under command of Brigadier General John McNeil, 
well known for his radical and active policy as a 
soldier, and his uncompromising loyalty as a citizen. 
Rolla is the terminus of the south-west branch of the 
Missouri Pacific Railroad, and one of the most 
important depots in that State. It has been the 
object of many efforts on the part of rebel raiding 
forces, and appeared to be again threatened by this 
movement. General McNeil prepared his small force 
for a vigorous defence. The post is well fortified. 

Brigadier General Thomas Ewing, Jr., was in 
command of the District of South-east Missouri, 
head-quarters of which are at St. Louis, and in which 
is included the Iron Mountain Railroad, with the 
famous Arcadia Valley and the posts of Pilot Knob, 
St. Genevieve, Cape Giradeau, New Madrid, and 
others upon the Mississippi River. The rebels 
marched through this district, in the counties of 



20 AEMY or TnE BORDEE. 

Butler^ Stoddard, Wayne, Madison, and Iron, vvhere 
was the terminus of the Iron Mountain Railioad, at 
Pilot Knob. 

During the early preparations to meet Price, Gen- 
eral Kosecrans had succeeded in temporarily detain- 
ing two brigades of the veteran l7th corps, under 
General A. J. Smith, then passing down the Mis- 
sissippi Eiver to Memphis. They were landed at 
Jefferson Barracks, below St. Louis. On the 24th, 
General Ewing was ordered to take the 2d Brigade, 
patrol and garrison the Iron Mountain Road 

The enemy were reported at Fredericktown, Madi- 
son county. General Ewing proceeded to Pilot 
Knob, held by Major James Wilson, 3d M. S. M. 
All the troops stationed in the Third Sub-District 
had been withdrawn and concentrated here. Ewinor's 
instructions from Gen. Rosecrans were to have Major 
Wilson hold the post against detachments, but evacu- 
ate if Price's army should appear. The entire force 
concentrated under General Ewing was 1,051 volun- 
teers and one hundred and fifty citizens, enough to 
man the works, which were quite strong. 

Pilot Knob is eighty-six miles south of St. Louis. 
It lies in a j^lain of three hundred acres, with Cedar 
and Bock mountains to the North, Pilot Knob to 
the East, and Shepherd mountain on the South and 
West. These are from five to six hundred feet high, 
rising abruptly from the valley and covered with 
rocks, gnarled oaks and undergrowth. The slopes 
of Shepherd mountain are accessible. A creek 



ATTACK ON PILOT KNOB. " 21 

flows aloug its base, and tlirougli a gap between 
it and Pilot Knol), into a larger valley beyond, in 
which is the town of Irouton. Throng this gap 
runs the Fredericktown ]"oad, passing out of the 
larger valley by what is called " Shut-in-Gap." 
These valleys are known as Arcadia. The position 
is not considered defensible against a lai'ge force 
with serviceable artillery. Fort Davidson, defensive 
work lying on the plain south of the vilhige, is about 
six hundred yards from the Knob, six hundred from 
Shepherd's mountain, and one thousand from the 
gap at Stout's creek. It mounted four thirty-two 
pound seige guns and three twenty-four pound liow- 
itzers. During the night preceding the attack, six 
pieces of fiekl artillery were mounted — all en harhette. 
General Ewing reached Pilot Knob at noon, Sep- 
tember 26th. Strong reconnoitering parties being 
sent out, met Price's advance at " Shut-in-Gap." 
They vvQVQ driven back to Ironton, where a stand 
was made till nio-ht. At midnio-ht it was evident 
the enemy were in large numbers, their colnmn 
havinii; been all the ni^rht movino; in strono; force into 
the larger valley. Believing the advantage of delay- 
ing the enemy's northward march would be great, 
Ewing determined on a stubborn resistance. He 
forwarded by railroad all stores not needed ; sent off 
the rolling stock and all empt}^ Quarter-Master 
wagons. Telegraphic communication was kept open 
all night with General Smith at De Soto. The battle 
commenced at daylight on the 27th, and was obsti- 



22 ■ AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

nately fouglit all day, our well-served artillery, and 
the deadly fire of our small arms, driving the rebels 
back every time they ventured to attempt an assault- 
Two divisions. General Fagan's and Marmaduke's, 
wei-e engaged. Both suffered terribly, as must needs 
be in an attempt to cross an open plain of three 
hundred acres, from the fire of eleven well-served 
guns, and the musketry fire of a thousand men. 
Marmaduke's Division made a charge from the south 
and west, but were broken and disordered, both by 
the inequalities and our heavy fire, before they 
reached the plain. Most of the assaulting force took 
cover in the creek bed, from which they kept up an 
incessant fire. Only about one hundred ventured on 
assault, 'but were driven back before reaching the 
ditch. 

Simultaneously with Marmaduke's movements, 
General Fagan marched over Pilot Knob to the East, 
Stronger, and less disturbed by our fire, this Division 
swept back disordered, or cut olf, the companies 
which had held the town and part of the mountain 
side. Their own lines became disordered by our fire, 
but hastily reformed, were led by General Cabell in 
person. We opened, as they came in sight, at four 
hundred yards, and with grape and canister from 
seven pieces. The rebels moved gallantly, but were 
confused, broken and swept down by our well- 
directed and destructive fire. The advance had 
reached the ditch, when the whole force fled, leaving 
a large number of killed and wounded. While the 



GEXEKAL EWING RETREATS. 23 

. assault progressed, a large cavalry force was sent to 
occupy the Mineral Point Road, over ^^Incli was the 
most available line of retreat for Ewing and his 
gallant troops. Prisoners stated that the enemy 
numbered 12,000 men with 10 guns, Shelby's 
Division having gone from Fredericktowu to Farm- 
ington, Francois County, north-east of Pilot Knob. 
General Ewino', findins; himself unaljle to hohl the 
mountain sides, without which the w^orks would be 
untenal^le, determined to evacuate. The Potosi 
(Washington Co.) Ivoad was the only one now open. 
At midnight preparations began, andOjefore day- 
break the entire command was on its road North. 
The magazine was l)lown up aljout an hour V^efore 
day, the enemy being then at Ironton, busily 
enQ:ai>:ed in makino; fascines and scalins; ladders for 
the assault, confident that General Ewing was 
hemmed in. In the meanwhile Shelby had moved 
over to Potosi the evening before. Price ordered 
Shelby down to join in the attack. Learning of 
this, General Ewing left the Potosi Road, and 
moved by that through Webster, towards Rolla, in 
a direction almost due West. A small squad stiiick 
Shelby's advance at Caledonia, killing several. This 
induced that commander to halt two miles north of 
the village to give us battle. Several hours were 
thus lost to them of Avhich Ewino; took advantao-e to 
press his retreat. Marmaduke left the Knob at 8 
A. M., and joined Shelby in the pursuit. At sun- 
down our forces reached Webster, having marched 



24 AKMY OF THE BORDER. 

tbirty-oue miles, and rested till midnight. It was 
determined to march to Leesburijf on the South 
branch of the Pacific Railroad, about thirty miles 
East of Rolla. The road to the latter place 
was open to cavalry movements, while by the 
Leesburo; road General Evvino; had the advantasce 
(protecting his flanks) of a spur in the Ozark Hills, 
separating the liuzzah and Courteois rivers, and the 
gorge of the Huzzah, Availed by precipitous cliffs. 
Besides, to Leesburg (Harrison) was but thirt3^-iive 
miles ; to liolla, fifty-five. A detachment of ten men 
under Captain Dills, 10th Kansas, was sent forward 
to Franklin, to telegraph to General Rosecrans at 
St. Louis, and to General McNeil at Rolla, informing 
them of the situation. 

Our little column, after marching througli the 
night, were overtaken by the enemy at eight on the 
morning of the 29th. Major Williams, 10th Kansas, 
Acting A. D. C, was placed in command of the 
rear, and by occasional rounds of grape and canister 
kept the enemy in check, making good the retreat. 
The skirmishing was constant until within four miles 
of Harrison. We then entered a high sweep of 
gently rolling woodland, and had to fight doggedly 
thereafter for every step we gained. 

Harrison was reached just after dark, the march 
of sixty-six miles being made in thirty-nine hours. 
The position was naturally strong, being on the 
crest of a ridge, with no timber for two hundred 
yards to obstruct the range. A railroad cut shel- 



FIGHT AT HAREISON, MISSOURI. 25 

terecl the liorses. A large number of ties made into 
breastworks, and the adjacent lioiises, afforded a 
i^ood means of defense. The wearied conmiand had 
barely time to form, when an assault was made, 
which was gallantly repulsed. Just then the Eastern 
train arrived with cars enough to move the troops. 
They wei'e placed on board, and were about to stai't 
for St, Louis, when the stations north and south C)f 
the position were seen in flames. The night was 
then spent in fortifying. On the 30th the enemy 
appeared in force, making demonstrations through- 
out the day as if to assault. The defence was 
maintained by musketry, less than thirty rounds to 
the gun remaining with the field pieces, which was 
reserved for the moment of assault, or the emerc^en- 
cies of a further retreat. The day passed in fighting 
and unremitting labor on the defense. At night 
another assault was made and repulsed. At mid- 
night a messenger was sent to Rolla for help, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Maupin, accompanied by Captain 
Schenck and Lieutenant Fletcher, sent to Franklin 
to advise General Rosecrans of our position, and 
endeavor to rally and bring 1)ack some mounted 
militia, our cavalry being completely exhausted. 
The messenger reached Rolla, but Colonel Maupin 
and companions failed, barely esca|>ing capture. 

The morning of October 1st opened anxiously. 

The skirmishing was renewed vigorously. The 

enemy thoroughly reconnoitered our position, and 

made every preparation to capture the heroic 

3 



26 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

command. General Shelby, who commanded the 
rebel force, evidently respected the plnck exhibited 
by General Ewing, and hesitated, letting — I would, 
wait upon I dare not. At two P. M. the enemy 
withdrew, and^at four. Lieutenant Colwel Beveridge, 
I'rth Illinois Cavalry, arrived from Rolla witli five 
hundred men, Strong pickets were immediately 
posted on the roads occupied by the enemy, and 
towards midnig;ht Geuei-al Ewiniz; withdrew in the 
direction of Rolla, leaving a hundred men to rein- 
force the pickets, and destroy the few stores left. 
The infantry were left at Holla as garrison, and the 
cavalry turned over to General McNeil, who, on the 
4th, marched to Jefferson City ; General Ewing, 
with a small escort, passing around the rear of the 
enemy to St. Louis. 

Thus ended the brief but brilliant services of 
General Ewing in the campaign against General 
Price. The defence of Pilot Knob, retreat to and 
defence of Harrison, are in themselves events which, 
deserve great credit. The result was also good. It 
delayed the rebel march, and enabled all concerned 
in defeating them, to gather more force and better 
arrange their plans. The gallant action of General 
Ewing in all probability saved St. Louis. The delay 
caused in the rebel march enabled our forces to effect 
a junction there and prevent its capture. Our loss 
was about one liundred and fifty killed and wounded, 
and fifty captured and. paroled. The rebel loss is 
estimated at 1,500. This appears from the evi- 



THE REBEL LOSS AT PILOT KNOB. 27 

dence of Surgeon T. W. Jolmston, left in cliarge of 
our wounded. At Ironton, there afterwards fell 
into our hands, Colonel Thomas, General Fagan's 
Chief of Staff, three Majors, ^even Captains, twelve 
Lieutenants, and two hundred and four enlisted men, 
representing seventeen regiments and batteries. The 
balance of the wounded w^ere sent South under 
escort of Colonel Kain's Hegiment. Those in the 
hospital were all dangerously, many of them 
mortally, wounded. 

In the meanwhile, General Curtis was straining 
every nerve. U]3on the 2d of October, General 
Sykes was directed to concentrate troops at Olathe, 
gathering such of the militia as he could in that 
vicinity. The 2d Colorado Volunteer Cavalry were 
at Independence, making preparations to march to 
the Department of Kansas. Colonel Ford was 
directed to move to a point near Paola, Colonel 
Blair at Fort Scott, Colonel Jennison at Mound 
City, and Colonel Moonlight, were directed to con- 
centrate all their forces. Bushwhackers were bolder 
in North Missouri and the section contiguous to 
Kansas. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MOVEMENTS IN THE DEl'AllTMENT OE KANSAS PRO- 
CLAMATION OF MAllTIAL LAW. 

On tlie 2d of October, General Koseerans reported 
to General Curtis, tliat tlie rebel army was moving 
west, and bad intersected tlie railroads soutb-west 
and west of St. Loui^, tbe soutb-west brancb at 
Franklin, and tbe Pacific Road at Wasbington. 
Botli points are in tbe county of Franklin, tbe one 
next west of St. Louis, and eacb seventy miles from 
tbat city. 

Shelby, after withdrawal from Ewing's front, bad 
proceeded nortb-east along tbe line of tbe road, 
destroying bridges and otber property, nntil reacbing 
Franklin, wliere be united witli the other divisions, 
which meanwhile, bad marched nortln\ard along tbe 
line of tbe Iron Mountain Road, destroying every- 
thing valuable, consuming all supplies, and conscript- 
ing all tbe semi-secessionists, and as many Union 
men as tbey could lay their bands on. By the time 
Price reached Missouri River, at Wasbington, there 



\ 



RIGID CONSOKIPTIOjS". 29 

can be no (loul)t tlie re))el force liad increased about 
four thousand. Thus, from the time they left the 
Arkansas River, of the eiixhteen thousand men who 
crossed at Dardennelles^ the statements of rebel pris- 
oners, as well as of Union spies, scouts and prisoners, 
unite in saying that only ir>,00() were armed, and 
that arms of different kinds and character wei-e 
obtained Ijy the time they reached Washington, to 
indifferently equip five or six thousand more. The 
arms used by their veteran troops were of the best 
character, mainly Eufield rifles, obtained through 
Mexico from England. 

By the movement along the lines of railroad, 
Price was enabled to throw all the force concen- 
trated at St. Louis, several days march to his rear. 
This included the two brigades (veterans) which 
General A. J. Smith had landed in obedience to 
orders, as also other ti'oops, that, under General 
Mower, had been sent to the assistance of Rosecrans, 
The latter believed that St. Louis w^as the prize 
sought by the daring raider. * 

Jefferson City, the State capital, was in tlie 
greatest danger. Brigadier-General Clinton B. Fisk, 
commanding the District of North Missouri, head- 
quarters at St. Joseph, rapidly concentrated what 
force he had and could spare from posts necessary 
to be protected, and threw himself into Jefferson 
City. Brigadier-General Brown, commanding the 
Central District, head-quarters at Warrensburg, 
Johnson County, had j)reviously assumed command 



30 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

there with all his available force, consisting of less 
than 2,000 enrolled militia. General Fisk took 
command, and General Curtis immediately opened 
communication with him, the telegraph to St. Louis 
having been destroyed by the rebels. General 
McNeil also united his forces (cavalry), after 
relieving General Ewing from his perilous position 
at Leesburg. This was on the 5th of October. 
General Sanborn reached the same point next day 
from Springfield. The force at Jefferson City then 
numbered 6,000. Four thousand were cavalry, and 
with eight guns and with the addition of Winslow's 
Brigade of the l7th Army Corps, formed the Pro- 
visional Cavalry Division commanded by Major- 
General Alfred Pleasanton, in the subsequent pursuit 
of Price, and the battles of the border. 

In the meanwhile the rebels were steadily advanc- 
ing westward, destroying, foraging and conscripting 
as they marched ; General Rosecrans was making 
cautious movements out of St. Louis. The forces 
gathered at Jefferson City were resisting strenuously 
the movements of Price, while General Curtis, in 
Kansas, was actively employed in working, pre- 
paring and counselling. October 4th, an order was 
issued forbiddino; the transit of boats below Kansas 
City. Colonel Ford, at Independence, was untiring 
and energetic, keeping stations at Hickman's Mills 
and Pleasant Hill, while scouting thoroughly to the 
east. 

Colonel Thomas Moonlight, commanding the 



ACTIVITY OF THE TE00P8. 31 

Nortliern Sub-Distrist of the District of South 
Kansas, made a call on Brigadier-General Fishback, 
K. S. M., for two regiments of State Militia to 
assemble at Olathe without delay. 

The notorious guerilla, Bill Anderson, who had 
operated along the line of the North Missouri Road, 
kept North Missouri in a continual ferment. During 
the first week in October, he attacked several trains 
on the Hannibal & St. Joseph liailroad, robbing the 
passengers,' and committing other depredations. 

On the 3d the rebels held Hermann, an important 
German settlement on the river, where they captured 
a train and three locomotives. Colonel Chester 
Harding, Jr., 43d Missouri Inftmtry Volunteers, 
with four hundred men, left St. Joseph on the 4th, 
on the steamer West Wind, with the intention of 
proceeding to Jefferson 

The Governor of Kansas, in response to a request 
for the calling out of State Militia, asked that a 
written demand should be made upon him. This 
request was promptly complied with on the 4th inst., 
when it was known that Jefferson City was in peril. 
On the 6th, General Rosecrans was urged to push 
his force in rear of the enemy, as delays were 
disastrous. 

Colonel Ford then held the advanced posts of the 
Department of Kansas, and the ones from which 
information, it was certain, would first come. 
General Curtis hoped the rebels might still be 
checked at the Gasconade and Osage Rivers, and to 



32 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

this end counselled General Brown, at the capital of 
Missouri, to burn the bridges on those streams. 
Eight ■ companies of the 2d Colorado were . at 
Pleasant Hill, under the Colonel, two at Independ- 
ence, nuder Captain Moses, and two at Kansas 
City, under Major Pritchard. 

General Fisk telegra[)hed on the 6th, that he held 
the enemy at the Moreen, upon the road to Castle 
Rock, and that no force was pressing their rear. 
Our troops from St. Louis marched in a leisurely 
manner considering the imminent peril ahead, and 
the obvious advantage to be gained by attacking 
the re])els at or near the Osage Piver, where the 
force in Jefferson City could co-operate. General 
Curtis deemed this the proper action to be taken. 
Governor Carney was kept constantly advised as 
intelligence was received, aiid was urged to hasten 
the call for tlie militia. Naturally disliking to take 
the citizens of a whole State from their peaceful 
avocations, this was not promulgated until longer 
delay would have been fatal. 

The 7th and 8th of October passed. Sharp fighting 
was reported by General Fisk in front of Jefferson 
City ; our forces withdrawing to the trenches. The 
telegraph lines between Sedalia and Lexington were 
cut on the evening of the 8th, the guerilla Anderson 
having been reported the previous day at Lexington, 
with five hundred men. The same day all the wires 
were cut east of Pleasant Hill, indicating the west- 
ward advance of the rebels. 



PEOCLAMATION OF GOVEENOR CAENEY. 33 

On tlie 7tli of October, Major Samuel S. Curtis, 
2d Colorado Cavalry, A. D. C. to General Curtis, 
took possession of the steamer Benton for Govern- 
ment purposes. Three Companies of tlie 43d 
Infantry Missouri Volunteers, under Major Davis, 
were on board. Three more companies were on the 
steamer West Wind, Colonel Chester Harding being 
in command. Major Curtis was directed to proceed 
with them to Jeiferson City. 

On the 8th, the following despatch was received : 

Fort Scott, Oct. 10. 
To Major-General Curtis: 

Lamar was burned last night entire — not a house left. 
Supposed to be done by a large force of bushwhackers. 
Lamar is forty six miles south-east of here. 

(Signed) C. W. Blair, Col. 

The peril being imminent, an urgent letter was 
sent by General Curtis to the Governor, which was 
responded to by that functionary in the following 
proclamation : 

No. 53. 

State of Kansas, Executive Department, ] 
ToPEKA, Oct. 8, 1864. f 
The State is in peril ! Price and his rebel hosts 
threaten it with invasion. Kansas must be ready to hurl 
them back at any cost. 

The necessity is urgent. The extent of that necessity 
the subjoined communications from Major General Curtis 
to me will establish. 

Headquarters, Department of Kansas, 
Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 5, 1864. 
His Excellency^ Governor Thomas Cariiey: 

The rebel forces under Gen. Price have made a further 
advance westward, crossing the Gasconade, and are now at 

4 



34 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

the railroad bridge on the Osage, about fifteen miles below 
Jefferson City. Large Federal forces about St. Louis and 
below tend to drive him towards Kansas. Other motives 
also will induce his fiendish followers to seek spoils and 
vengeance in this State. To prevent this, and join in 
efforts to expel these invaders from the country, I desire 
that you will call out the entire militia force, with their 
best arms and ammunition, for a period of thirty days. 
Each man should be provided with two blankets or a 
buffalo robe for comfort, and a haversack for carrying 
provisions. No change of clothing is necessary. I want 
this force assembled on the border, mainly at Olathe, as 
80on as possible. For that purpose let farmers' teams, with 
provisions and forage, be employed to hurry them forward. 
1 will do all in my power to provide provisions and public 
transportation, but hope every man will be as self- 
sustaining as possible, and ready to join me in privations, 
hardships and dangers to aid our comrades in Missouri in 
destroying these rebel forces before they again desolate the 
fair fields of Kansas, It is necessary to suspend business 
and labor until we are assured our property and earnings 
are not within the grasp of unscrupulous marauders and 
murderers. 

Confidently believing. Governor, that your Excellency 
and all loyal citizens will concert with me in the propriety 
of this very important demand, and give me your hearty 
co-operation and assistance. I have the honor to be, your 
very obedient servant, 

R. S. Curtis, 
Maj. Gen. Com'dg Department. 

United States Military Telegraph, ) 
Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 8, ISG-i. f 
To Governor Carney : 

The line is now cut this side Sedalia. This indicates a 
rebel move by some body west or south. Hurry the 
militia. R. S. Curtis, Maj. Gen. 

United States Military Telegraph, ) 
Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 8, 1864. f 
To Governor Carney : 

I request that you issue the call. Let the Militia turn 
out. if not needed, they will of course be discharged. 
Their call and collection would enable us, at least, to give 



GENERAL DEITZLER COMMANDS THE MILITIA. 35 

an impetus to Price's departure. In your prompt responses 
to my requests heretofore, I am sure we have saved the 
State from desohition. Let us do it now. The enemy is 
now near Sedalia, and a tight is expected there to-night. 
They have burned Syracuse, Lamine and Otterville depots 
to-day. You see, they seem moving steadily M-estward. 
Dehiy is ruinous. R. S. Curtis, Maj.-Gen, 

Kansas, rally! You will do so as you have always 
promptly done, when your soil has been invaded. The call 
this time will come to you louder and stronger, because you 
know the foe will seek to glut his vengeance upon \o\\. 

Meet him, then, at the threshold and strike boldly ; 
strike a-s one man against him. 

Let all business be suspended. The work to be done 
now is to protect "the State against marauder and murderer. 
Until that is accomplished we must lead a soldier's life, and 
do a soldier's duty. 

Men of Kansas, rally ! One blow, one earnest, united 
blow, will foil the invader and save you. Who will falter? 
"Who is not ready to meet the peril ? Who will not defend 
his home and the State ? 

To arms, then ! To arms and the tented field, until the 
rebel foe shall be baffled and beaten back. 

Thomas Carney, Governor. 

N. B. — Major-General Deitzler will lead the brave men 
of Kansas and issue the necessary orders. Commanding 
officers of brigades and battalions will see that their 
respective commands are in readiness for immediate service. 

Thomas Carney, Governor. 

This was followed by an order from the General 

in command of tlie State militia, arranging the 

places of rendezvous, etc. 

Li pursuance of this call of the Governor, the militia of 
Kansas will turn out and rendezvous immediately, as 
follows : 

Head-Quarters, Dept. Kansas State Militia, ) 
ToPEKA, Kansas, Oct. 9, 1864. f 
General Order^ No. 54. 
In pursuance of the order of the Commander-in-Chief, of 
the 8th inst., the militia of Kansas will turn out and 
rendezvous., iirvmediately ., at the points indicated below : 



36 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha and Marshall counties, at 
Atchison, under Brigadier General Bjron Sherry. 

Atchison, Leavenworth, Jefferson, Jackson, Pattawat- 
omie, Riley, Davis, Waubaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas and 
Johnson counties, at Olathe, under Brigadier-General M. 
S. Grant. 

"Wyandotte, at Wyandotte, under Major E. S. Hubbard. 

Miami, Franklin, Osage, Morris and Lyon counties, at 
Paola, under Brigadier-General S. I^. Wood. 

Bourbon, Allen and Woodson counties, at Fort Scott. 

Commanders of brigades and regiments will promptly 
prepare their respective commands for active service for 
thirty days, unless sooner discharged, and see that each 
man is supplied with two blankets, a tin cup, knife and 
fork, and a haversack ; and, also, a coffee pot and frying 
pan for every live men. 

Let each regiment or detachment bring its own trans- 
portation and all the rations possible, hut there must he no 
delay on any account. The General Government will 
undoubtedly pay all proper charges for such transportation 
and supplies, and will furnish rations and forage as far and 
as soon as possible, at the points indicated in this order. 

Let each man come with such arms as are at hand and a 
full supply of ammunition. As this campaign will be a 
6hort one, no change of clothing will be necessary. 

Until further orders, the head-quarters of the militia will 
be at Olathe, to which point all returns and communica- 
tions will be sent. By order of 

Geo. W. Deitzler, 

Maj. Gen., K. S. M. 

John T. Morton, A. A. G. 

Both orders were embraced in one from Depart- 
ment head-quarters, under date of the 9th, and 
which concluded as follows : 

General Orders^ No. 53. 

All Federal Officers in this Department, vvill aid in giv- 
ing circulation and success to this effort to concentrate 
troops for immediate service. 

Quarter-masters and Commissaries, will aid to the utmost 
of their abilities, to have requisite provisions accumulated 
as fast as possible. 



GEIS-ERAL BLUNT COMMANDS AT OLATIIE. 37 

An earnest and united movement should animate officers 
and men, volunteers and militia. 

Let business and personal strife be suspended ; partisan 
discussions and political animosities be avoided ; and 
instead of" impatience, fault-finding and detraction, too 
common among raw recruits, let every man display the 
fortitude, patience and endurance which distinguish the 
patriotic soldier engaged in the defence of his home and 
his country. 

The sooner this call is met, the more certain will be its 
success ; and the General earnestly appeals to soldiers and 
citizens, to unite all their moral and physical energies in 
this effort to stifle the fiendish hordes that again threaten 
the people of Kansas and the peace of our countr\\ 
By command of Major-General Curtis, 

C. S. CUARLOT, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

The annexed dispatch was sent to General Sykes, 
and all commandino: officers in the State : 

"The Governor has called out the entire militia of the 
State. I want this given the widest circulation and the 
most prompt action. 

" S. R. Curtis, Maj. Gen." 

The same day reports were received of the taking 
of Lexington, and that Independence was threatened. 
This was l)y conscripting parties from Shelby's 
Division. Major-General Blunt, returned from his 
Indian expedition, reported to head-quarters, and 
was ordered to Olathe for orders, reporting his 
arrival by telegraph. Major-General Sykes' health 
was such that he could not stand the fatigue of the 
impending campaign, and even General Curtis' 
rendering it probable that he too might break down, 
the necessity of a younger and more active man was 
apparent. 



38 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. 

General Sykes not liking the ordering of General 
Blunt to Olatlie for the tke purpose of field 
operations, asked to be relieved, whicli was done, 
and General Blunt was placed in charge of that 
district. He assumed command by telegraph upon 
the 11th inst. 

Captain Moses, 2d Colorada, reported a small 
force threatening Independence. Quite an excite- 
ment was created at Lawrence on the 9th, which 
was caused by the accidental discharge of firearms. 
On the 10th, the work of fortifying Leavenworth 
was commenced. It was determined by General 
Curtis, in order to secure unity of operation and 
harmony in management of the forces called out, to 
to proclaim martial law throughout the State, and 
at the same time call into active service those not 
reached by the Governor's call : 

Head-Quarters, Department of Kansas, ) 
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Oct. 10, 1861. j 
General Orders, JVo. 51. 

The better to carry out the object of the Governor's 
Proclamation, issued this morning, and to secure prompt 
and united military organization and action, martial law is 
proclain-,ed to extend throngliont the State of Kansas, and 
the conntrj occupied Ijy the troops moving therefrom, and 
all men, white or black, between the ages of eighteen (18) 
and sixty (60), will arm and attach themselves to some of 
the organizations of troops, for temporary military service. 

In all the principal cities and towns, business houses will 
close as directed by the Governor's Proclamation, except 
where General Officers may give leave to such houses and 
special establishments as nniy be considered necessary for 
the public subsistence and health. 

As this order is only designed to continue while danger 
of invasion is apprehended, the proper functions of civil 



price's movements. 39 

oflScers will not be disturbed, arid especially Courts of 
Justice and their processes will not be interrupted by the 
military authorities. 

All troops, volunteers and militia, are clothed with tiie 
powers, and are subject to the duties and penalties pre- 
scribed in the Articles of War, and soldiers and citizens 
must expect very summary punishment of crime, and 
burning, robbing and stealing in the field will be sevei-ely 
and promptly punished. Private property and peaceable 
citizens naust be protected. Our object is Price and his 
followers. His forces are now rejjorted as retreating from 
Jeiferson City in this direction. My advance to meet him 
is already moving. Let troops of every organization press 
forward to juin in Ids repulse and pursuit. 

By connnand of Major General Curtis. 

C S. Charlot, 

[official.] Assistant Adjutant-General. 

The same day the latest received from General 

Roseeraus was as follows : 

Head-Quarteks, St. Louis, ) 
Oct. 10. ( 
Price's movements are not known, but he has avowed 
his intention to go to Leavenworth. If he will try this, it 
will enable our cohnnns under Mower and Smith and our 
cavalry to get between them and the Osage, and they 
will suffer. They spread and stretch out for subsistence ; 
therefore your cavalry can forcibly strike the heads of their 
columns and hurt and retard their march. The telegraph 
lines are so interrupted it will be difficult to communicate 
with you. 

(Signed) W. S. Rosecrans, 

Major-General. 

Hou. Jas. H. Lane, United States Senator, who 
had for some da^^s been in consultation witli General 
Curtis, having, vvdth his usual sagacity, perceived 
the great peril of the State, now tendered his ser- 
vices, which were accepted in the following order, 
assigning various duties to officers who had reported 
for duty : 



40 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

Headquarters, Department of Kansas, ) 
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Oct. 10, 1864. ) 

General Orde7's, No. 55. 

The following temporary assignments to duty are pub- 
lished to the command. They will be obeyed and 
respected accordingly. 

I. Major F. E. Hunt, Chief Paymaster, is also appointed 
Acting Aid-de-Camp, and will take charge and command 
of all artillery in and near the county of Leavenworth, 
consistent with the general arrangements of District 
Commanders, Generals Blunt and Davies. 

IT. Major Henry Almstedt, in addition to his duties as 
Additional Paymaster, will report to Major F. E. Hunt 
for artillery duty. 

III. Hon. Jas. H. Lane, having tendered his services to 
the Major-General Commanding, they are accepted, and 
he is assigned to duty as Volunteer Aid-de-Camp. 

lY. Captain James L. Rafferty, 2nd Kansas Colored, 
having reported for duty, will take charge of the general 
organization and command of persons of African descent; 
all of proper age and ability are included in the proclama- 
tion, and will be organized as other troops for immediate 
service. 

Y. Captain J. M. Mentzer, 2nd Kansas Yolnnteers, cav- 
alry, reports being here en route and unable to reach his 
command. He will report for temporary duty to Brigadier- 
General T. A. Davies, commanding District North Kansas. 

YI. Rev. J. B. McAfee, Chaplain 2nd Kansas Colored, 
having reported for duty, will have charge of Contrabands 
in the field, and will also report to Captain Rafterty as 
Acting Adjutant in the organization of troops of African 
descent. By command of Major-Genei-al Curtis. 

C. S. Charlot, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 



CHAPTER V. 

GEAND UPEISING OF THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS. 

Never was there heartier response to a demand of 
sucli a character, than that of the citizens of Kansas 
to the call of the Federal and State authorities. In 
the history of the present war no similar instance 
occurs. Rebel armies have invaded other loyal States. 
Twice have the veterans of Lee entered the State of 
Pennsylvania. The daring partisan, John Morgan, 
galloped through one half of Ohio and Indiana. 
Kentucky has been debatal)le ground over and over 
again. Maryland, like Missouri, has been fought 
for, and over, by contending armies. 

For four years the people of Kansas had stood, a 
wall of fire, round about their border. Not only 
sending more troops in proportion to population 
than other States, but compelled also, from her 
exposed position, to do duty at home ; a large body 
of her citizens have constantly been under arms for 
the protection of the eastern and southern borders. 
The calls have been frequent — the danger often 
5 



42 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

imminent. Peril waited by every man's door, and 
invasion was the skeleton at many a farmer's fireside. 
Every border cabin lias its tale of suffering and 
sacrifice, wliile tlie waste places in Lawrence yet 
bring brooding memories unto all. Nor was it alone 
on the East and South that the dark days of wai'- 
fare rested like a thunder cloud. Alouo- the long- 
line of sparse settlements upon the western frontier 
dwelt the haunting terror of hostile Indians. For 
months the horrors of savage warfare had been added 
to the desolation of civil strife, Avith its worst con- 
comitants of guerilla and partisan atrocities. As 
along the eastern border the militia stood sentinel to 
watch the murderous bushwhacker, so upon the 
western frontier, the settler — half farmer and half 
hunter — did a ranger's duty in guarding the scattered 
cabins which w^ere slowly feeling their way out over 
the plains and along the valleys, until they could 
clasp hands with the mountain settlements. 

Thus exposed, and thus wearied, though still 
prepared, the settlers sprang to arms with a won- 
derful unanimity, which set the nerves tingling and 
made the blood run like flame. The order flew 
from one end of the State to the other. Each man 
vied in rapidly communicating the imperious demand. 
Flaming, like the Highlanders' ancient spnbol — the 
cross of fire — the cry, " To Arms," pealed over the 
prairies, along the streams, in every workshop, and 
met reply in every town and hamlet. The roads 
were lined by men, who, leaving the plow and plane, 



TUEN OUT OF THE MILITIA. 4:h 

axe and flail, reaper and tlireslier, from every 
quarter were pouring to tlie rendezvous appointed 
for the different regiments. 

From the State Adjutant-General, Colonel C. K. 
Holliday's report is given the following extracts, to 
show otticially that in thus writing no overdi'awu 
picture is presented. 

" Never was appeal for help answered so promptly. 
" In most instances on the next day, or the second, 
" after the receipt of the proclamation at regimental 
"head-quarters, the regiment itself, in full force, 
" was on the march for the rendezvous designated 
" by the commanding general, and it was only in 
" exceptional cases — where the regimental district 
" embraces several counties in extent — that the third 
" or fourth day was required before the command 
" could take up its line of march. 

"But promptness alone was not the only com- 
"mendable feature in the movement. Its univer- 
" sality was equally marked. * * * Nor 
" was this earnest enthusiasm confined to those 
" within military ages ; but very many outside of 
"those ages — under 21 and over 45 — voluntarily 
" stepped into the ranks, and hastened " to the 
"front" with their commands. All this occurred 
" before there was the remotest intimation that the 
" services of those outside the military ages would 
" be required." 

Colonel HoUiday proceeds, after referring to the 
call under the proclamation of martial law : 



44 



AEMY OF THE BOEDEPw. 



"No where, at no time, and under no circum- 
" stances, lias such an uprising been witnessed. It 
" was widespread and complete. It was as thorough 
"as there was material out of which it could be 
" composed : as extensive as the limits of the 
" population among whom it took place." * ^' 

The following tables show the number of regi- 
ments rej)orting for active service ; their command- 
ing officers ; the counties to which they belonged ; 
the number of effective men in each ; the places of 
general rendezvous, and the general officers under 
w^hose direction they were : 

COMMAND OF BRIGADIER-GEN. M. S. GRANT. 



NO. OP 






NO. OF 




keg't. 


COMMANDING OFFICER. 


COUNTY. 


MEN. 


RENDEZVOUS. 


1st, 


Col. C. H. Robinson, 


Leavenworth, 


503 


Olathe. 


2nd, 


" G. W. Veale, 


Shawnee, 


561 




3d, 


" Chas. Willemson, 


Donghis. 


643 




4th, 


" W. D. McCain, 


Jefferson, 


777 




7th, 


" Peter McFadaud. 


Leavenworth, 


705 




12th, 


" L. S. Treat, 


Atchison, 


460 




13th, 


" J. A. Keeler, 


Johnson, 


400 




14th, 


" J. M. Harvey, 


Riley, Waub'sa, &c. 


560 




15th,* 


" J. T. Price, 


Davis, Dickinson, 
Salina, &c. 


400 




18th, 


" Matthew Quigg, 


Atchison, 


400 




I9ih, 


" A. C. Hoo-an, 


Leavenworth, 


548 




20th, 


" J. B. Hubbell, 


Jackson, 


340 


" 1 


21st, 


" Sandy Lowe, 


Douglas, 


519 
6816 





* Of this force the 15th Regiment was, by order of Colonel Holliday, 
retained at Fort Riley ; the 7lh was stationed at Leavenworth City and 
Fort, until the 22d, when they were sent to the front. Other small 
detachments were detained at Lawrence and Topeka. The duty of gar- 
risoning, in the main devolved upon those called out by the order of the 
Department Commander. At Leavenworth City some fifteen hundred 
were thus organized. Four full companies of able bodied negroes were 
organized there, and stationed at the Fort until the 21st, when they also 
moved to the front. One company was retained, composed of exempts. 
They were under command of their own officers. 



THEIR RENDEZVOUS. 



45 



The following force assembled at Atchison, under 
Brigadier General Sherry: 



NO. OF 

keg't. 



9th, 

17th* 

22d, 
Ind'pt 
Bat' 11. 



COMMANDING OFFICER. 



Col. Frank M. Tracy. 
'' E. C. Manning, 
" Jas. P. Taylor, 
" J. A. Pope, 



Doniphan, 
Marshall, Washing- 
ton, ltcpublic,Clay. 
Neinaha, 

Brown, 



NO. OP 
MEN. 



55i 

400 
200 

1154 



KENDEZVOUS 



Atchison, 



The Border counties were ordered to asseml)le at 
Paola, under Brigadier General Fishback. 



NO. OF 

reg't. 



5th, 

10th, 

11th 

Ind'pt 

Bat'n. 



COMMANDING OFFICER. 



Col. G. A. Colton, 
" Wm. Pennock, 
" A. J. Mitchell, 

Lt. Col. M. M. Murdoch, 



Miami, 

Franklin and An- 
derson, 
Lyon, 



NO. OF 

-MEN. 



471 
751 
300 
250 



1773 



RENDEZVOUS 



Paola, 
Paola and 
Mound City. 
Paola, 



The Anderson County Battalion of this regiment, 
assembled at Mound City, as being more convenient 
than Paola, but soon after joined the regiment, and 
with it moved into Missouri. 

At Mound City assembled the following regi- 
ments, who were ordered to report to Brigadier Gen- 
eral S. N. Wood. General Wood, however, failed 
to report for duty. 

* The 17th Regiment, Colonel Manning, was the only organization 
which did not respond to the calls. They presented a reasonable excuse 
in the fact of the exposure of their section to Indian attacks. The rule 
which governed the State Adjutant General, in directing the 15th Regi- 
ment (Colonel Price), to remain at Fort Riley, would have applied 
to the 17th, 



46 



ARMY OF THE BORDER. 



NO. OF 

reg'i. 



6th, 
16th, 



COMMANDING OFFICER. 



Lt.-Col. J, L. Snoddy, 
Col. F. W.- Potter, 



Linn, 

Coflery, "Woodson. 



NO. OF 

MEN. 



530 
560 



1090 



RENDEZVOUS 



Mound Oily. 



At Fort Scott, the militia were under Brigadier 
General J. B. Scott. 


NO. OF 

reg't. 


COMMANDING OFFICER. 


COUNTY. 


NO. OF 
MEN. 


RENDEZVOUS. 


24th, 
J3at'u, 


Col. J. Stadden, 
Lt.-Col. Eves, 
CoL C. P. Twiss, 


Bourbon, 
Allen, 


500 
350 
200 


Fort Scott. 
11 




1050 





The 22d Regiment (Wyandotte county) rendez- 
voused at Wyandotte City, five hundred and fifty 
strong. It reported to Major E. S. Hubbard. 
Wm. Weer, Late Colonel of the 10th Kansas Volun- 
teers, was elected Colonel and commissioned by the 
Governor. 

To recapitulate : the force assembled at Olathe 

was, 6,816 

That at Atchison, 1,154 

" Paola, .... . . 1,872 

" Mound City, 1,180 

" Fort Scott, 1,050 

" Wyandotte, 550 



Total, ... - 12,622 
These are the figures of the Adjutant-General's 
report. Out of the Olathe force must be deducted 
from those actually at the front, the 7th and 15th 



TOTAL MILITIA FOECE. 47 

Kegiments, (the former being on important service 
at Leavenwortli, and reaching Westport on tlie even- 
ing after tlie battle that saved Kansas was over ; and 
the latter being on dnty at Fort Riley,) a force of 
1,105; thus leaving a force under Grant of 5,715, of 
whom 4,500 crossed the Missouri line, and the others 
were garrisoning posts in the State. 

At Paola, the 11th and 16th Regiments were 
retained. Both took active part in the flanking 
movement of the 2nd Brigade. At Fort Scott, 
Colonel Stadden with the 24th Regiment, exempts 
and negroes, did garrison duty. Of the 12,622 of 
the enrolled militia, at least 10,000 were concentrated 
south of the Kansas Rivei', in the section threatened 
by the invading army, along the line of its march 
in the battles against and in pursuit of its retreating 
columns. Yet the force in the field under the calls 
of the Federal and State authorities was actually 
larorer than these fio;ures show. Some further 
extracts from Colonel HoEiday's report will show 
this, and the reasons therefor : 

''Portions of some of the foregoing regiments 
" were detailed for special duty at several points in 
" the State ; such as Leavenworth, Lawrence, Topeka, 
" tfec, which number thus detailed, together with the 
" old and young men, and the colored troops organ- 
" ized under the martial law proclamation, are not 
" included in the above exhibit, and would probably 
" swell the count l)y several thousands. These latter 
" troops were generally organized at their local ren 



48 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

" clezvous, and were held in readiness to marcli to 
" any point tliat emergencies might require. The 
" whole number who thus responded for active 
"service exceeded 16,000, or a larger number than 
" appears upon the returns of the enrolled military 
"forwarded to this office." * * * -x- 

The general disposition of the militia, so far as the 
points of rendezvous were concerned, w^as wisely 
arranged. Modifications had afterwards to be made. 
These will be given in the course of the narrative. 



CHAPTER VI. 

AFFAIRS IN TIIE CITY AND AT FORT LEAVENWORTH. 

The excitement in Leavenwortli was naturally- 
greater tlian elsewhere in tlie State. Tliat city liad 
larger interests at stake ; while the proximity of the 
Fort, with its immense stores of all kinds, rendered 
it certain that its possession was Price's main aim. 
The total cessation of business, the departure to the 
scene of action of so many of its citizens, the rigidity 
of martial law, and the manner of its enforcement, 
rendered the peri(xl during which the city was 
threatened one of the most intense interest. 

The 1st Regiment, Kansas State Militia, Colonel 
Charles Ro.hinson commanding, was among the first 
to respond to the Governor's call, and was, on the 
second day thereafter, marched to Olathe, the place 
of general rendezvous. With it went the Leaven- 
worth Battery, manned by a company of the most 
respected German citizens. Another regiment, the 
19th Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Hogan, 
followed, leaving on the 11th, and reaching Olathe 
6 



50 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

the same evening. It was soon afterwards ordered 
to tlie front, and until after tlie battle of Westport^ 
when it returned home, was among the most efficient. 

A battery was organized, with guns from the 
United States Arsenal, which was manned by a 
company commanded by Captain Zesch, a German 
merchant of the city, who had seen service. After 
doing duty in the protection of the city, the battery 
was ordered to the front, and participated in the 
movements upon the Big Blue, and in the severe 
battle of the 2ord near Westport. 

The Yth Regiment, Kansas State Infantry, Colonel 
Peter McFarland, was left as garrison, in conjunction 
with several companies of exempts and a battalion 
of colored men. 

The 7th did their whole duty. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hershfield thereof, was, by order of General 
Davies, placed in command of the post of Leaven- 
worth. The city had been declared such by orders 
from District head-quarters. This gentleman, one of 
the most popular and active business men of the city, 
threw himself into the work of appreciating the 
crisis. He showed a rare aptitude and energy, and 
was a most efficient co-worker with the regular 
military authorities. The position of Post-Com- 
mander was no enviable one, nor was it rendered 
more inviting by the annoyance produced through 
efforts to evade the military duties imposed upon all 
alike. Colonel Hershfield's tact, as well as firmness, 
tided him over these difficulties, and he won general 



POLITICAL EXCITEMENT. 51 

esteem by his course. A long line of rifle-pits and 
earthworks on the south and east sides of the city- 
were rapidly completed. All were alike compelled 
to take their share in the common lahor. Much 
amusement was created by the organization of the 
" Sneak Company," under Captain Pendiy, a well- 
known lawyer. The negroes who were not already 
on duty in Camp Sully, at the Fort, were organized 
as "The Iron-Clads," under Captain Harvey 
Edgerton. A strict system of Pickets, Provost 
Guards and Patrols was arranged and maintained 
with the utmost diligence. Fears were entertained 
of an attempt to cross the river by the rebel brigade 
under General Clarke, known to have crossed into 
North Missouri. The " Veteran Scouts," a company 
of discharged soldiers, were charged with the duty of 
patroling the river banks. Upon the bluffs, south of 
the city, were planted some heavy siege guns, sixty- 
pounders, brought from the Fort for that purpose. 
The wild excitement, produced by the wilder 
reports and rumors constantly in circulation, kept 
the public pulse to fever heat. Every man who 
returned from the front brought fuel for this restless 
flame. The intense political excitement, which this 
necessity found in the State, added much to the 
difiiculties of the occasion. Partizan prejudices 
strengthened the natural dislike of business men to 
service such as they were now compelled to perform. 
One of the city papers added to this feeling, by 
making it appear that there was no necessity for 



62 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

martial law ; that Price was moving to tlie south- 
west ; and that it was only sought to use the people 
for political purposes. These things caused dissat- 
isfaction, both in the city and among its militia then 
upon the border. 

Up to the 20th of October, nothing definite had 
been known of the enemy's whereabouts. At that 
date dispatches were received announcing the hght of 
General Blunt, at Lexington, with the entire rebel 
army. It thus became apparent that Price was 
advancing westward, and the wise forecast of Gen- 
eral Curtis, in organizing the militia, was made 
evident. Before this, owing to the political excite- 
ment, a great diversity existed as to the necessities 
of the case, and many were induced to denounce the 
Department Commander and his co-adjutors. The 
effect of General Deitzler's dispatch was immediate. 
The sense of danger was realized, and all went to 
work with a will. Troops were immediately relieved 
from duty in the city and defences, and ordered to 
report daily at their different head-quarters, ready 
for an immediate movement. 

On the succeeding day (Friday 21st), dispatches 
were received from Generals Curtis and Deitzler, 
announcing the battle of Little Blue, and the falling 
back of the troops to the line of Big Blue, six miles 
east of Kansas City. These filled all with dread. 
Words fail in painting the gloomy uncertainty. 
Over the thousands of homes, from each of which 
some loved one had gone forth at the call of duty, 



ACTIVITY AT i'OET LEAVENWORTH. 53 

hung sadness and fearful anxiety. But, impressed 
by the urgency, one common purpose now animated 
old and young. 

The Governor telegraphed tlie following order : 

In the Field, Big Blue, [ 

'October 21, 1864. j 

To Colonel R. IST. Hershfield, Cominandiwj Post : 

Send all deserters back to their commands at once. All 
tliat have left without leave must return. Now is the time 
for every Kansan to do his duty. Let no man hesitate. 
Price is upon us. Now is the time to save our homes and 
assist our comrades. 

THOMAS CARNEY, 
Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 

An order was issued and rigorously enforced, 
directing the impressment of all males, l)et\veen 
fifteen and sixty, who we "e not already in service. 
Other measures were taken, adapted to the emer- 
gency. The 7th Regiment, the Veteran Scouts, and 
Captain Zesch's Battery left for Kansas City. The 
Steamers Benton and Tom Morgan were used as 
transports. The Morgan was used to patrol the 
river. Officers had arrived from Genei'al Curtis' 
Head-Quarters, to aid in the rapid forwarding of 
troops. At the Fort, the utmost activity was dis- 
played. At District Head-Quarters, General Davies, 
and his efiicient Adjutant, worked energetically. 
Lieutenant Colonel Stark, A. A. A. G., Captain John 
Willans, A. A. G., were in charge of Department 
Head-Quarters, and worked night and day to meet 
the emergency. While their associates were at the 
front, in the position most dear to the soldiei", these 



54 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

officers and others, were filling no less important and 
laborious positions at liome. Captain Hodges, 
Depot Quarter-Master, was untiring ; tlie veteran 
Paymaster, Major Hunt, Captain McNutt, Ordnance 
Officer, in cliarge of the Arsenal, Colonel Werter R. 
Davis, Post-Commandant, all did their whole duty. 
Large amounts of ordnance stores were forwarded ; 
transportation promptly supplied ; militia were 
armed. The " Iron Clad Battalion" had already left 
under Captain Raffiirty. A detachment of Light 
Artillery (colored), just recruited, had been sent with 
two guns. Parrots, under command of Second Lieu- 
tenant P. H. Minor, (colored). 

In the city, an impromptu gathering was held for 
counsel. Major Heath, Provost Marshal General of 
the Department, who had just returned from St. 
Louis, urged the calling of the citizens together for 
the better placing of the emergency before them. 
This was immediately done. The bells were rung, 
the cannon fired, and soon they rallied in front of 
the Market House. The meeting was addressed in 
stirring appeals by Judge Sears, Dr. King, Major 
H. 11, Heath, and other gentlemen. At the first 
sound of the bells and cannon, wild anxiety was 
aroused in the city. Few were acquainted with the 
object, and reports of a 'rebel force threatening to 
cross the river, or advancing from the South, spread 
like wildfire. The real purpose of the alann, 
however, was soon known. 
' Two days passed, and the sound of battle at Big 



END OF EXCITEMENT. 55 

Blue and Westport, could be distinctly heard. The 
wires were in constant use, and the most excitino- 
reports reached the city. It was known on Saturday 
night that our lines had been forced, and that the 
right and centre were falling back. Sunday morn- 
ing came, and with it the certainty of a decisive 
engagement. The hours seemed ages. From 
Kansas City were sent constant bulletins, and the 
varying fortunes of that morning met as varying 
emotions in the streets of Leavenworth. At last, 
as the afternoon waned, came news of victory, and 
later, the certainty thereof, in the order abolishing 
martial law north of the Kansas River. 

Thus ended the excitement and anxiety con- 
sequent upon the imminent danger in which 
Leavenworth had been placed. When all did so 
well, it would be invidious to distinguish individuals ; 
but too much praise cannot be accorded to the ladies 
of the city, who organized relief and aid societies, 
worked unremittingly to relieve the distress among 
the poorer classes, occasioned by the stoppage 
of work and the absence of the men in the field, 
and by the preparation of supplies for the sick and 
wounded. 

Thus has it ever been. The annals of war are 
gilded by the devotion of the women of the land, 
who, shut out from sterner duties, have filled their 
lives with sacrifice, and gone out, blessing and 
cheering, making beautiful its dreary ways with the 
light of charity, and the glory of inspiring devotion. 



CHAPTEE VII. 

GEKEEALS CTJETIS AND BLUNT TAKE THE FIELD 

OIIGANIZATION OF TEOOPS. 

Majoe-Geneeal Blunt assumed command on the 
loth inst., and telegraphed to head-quarters suggest- 
ing the concentration of all available force at 
Olathe and Paola. Not believing that Price avouM 
attempt to cross the Kansas Piver, he deemed it 
more likely that he would strike as far up on the 
south side as possible. A concentration would meet 
this, while a forward movement into Missouri would 
enable us to strike his right flank, and if he turned 
southward, join the pursuit. These views were also 
those of General Curtis. Orders had been received 
from General Ilalleck directing the concentration 
of troops in the vicinity of Fort Scott, under the 
supposition that Price would be turned south before 
reaching Lexington. 

General Curtis made every preparation, previous 
to taking the field in person. Such reports and 
dispatches from General Rosecrans, Colonel Ford, 



■ EEPORT FEOM COL. FOED. 57 

etc., as would, without iujury to the service, arouse 
the people to a sense of their clanger, were published 
by his orders. The movements of the 2d Colorado 
Cavalry were then of the utmost importance. The 
following dispatches show its position : 

Head-Quakters, 2nd Colorado Cavalry, 
Hickman's Mills, Oct. 12, ISO-i. 

Major-General jS. li. Curtis, Coiamanding Dejxiriment of 

Kansas, Olathe, Kansas : 

I have the honor to inform you that at ten o'clock P. M., 
yesterday, I left Pleasant Hill for this place, reaching here 
just before daylight. My reasons for this move were, that 
from all I could learn of Price's movements, he evidently 
means to strike wovlh of Pleasant Hill, probably between 
there and Independence, leaving me iu danger of being 
cut off from your main command. '^ '^ * I was 
over thirty miles from your main army, and part of the 
country between dangerous for small parties to travel 
through. At this place I am only six miles from Oxford, 
on the Kansas line, sixteen from Pleasant Hill, fourteen 
from Independence, and thirteen from Kansas Cit_y ; and 
moreover on the route Price must come on account of 
water and forage, which in this vicinity are plenty. An- 
other reason for thinking tliat Price will come this way is 
that guerillas have told some of their friends that they 
have positive orders from Price not to destroy any forage 
in this neighborhood. * * * When I left Pleasant 
Hill, I sent Captain Green, with one hundred men, north 
and north-east, to scout well Cedar Creek and the Little 
Plue, reaching this place by way of Ray town. He arrived 
about noon to-day. He had seen no fresh signs of any 
large body of guerillas, though he could hear of occasional 
small bodies of five or six in a gang. He ascertained that 
it was their intention to capture this place from the citizen 
militia to-night, taking their arms from them, but not 
destroying any forage. I have sent Captain Elmore and 
fifty men'tow^ards Pleasant Hill to-day, Lieutenant Keith, 
with fifty men east and noith-east, and Company "H." 
(forty men) to Independence, all to return to-night. I 
propose to keep Captain Moses and his two companies at 



68 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Independence for the time being, as an extreme outpost, 
to be ready to move in a minute, and, as I am now in his 
rear, to fall back and reinforce me if necessary. Hoping 
that my actions meet the approbation of the Major-General- 
Commanding, I am, General, very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, 

(Signed) Jas. H. Ford, 

Colonel 2nd Colorado Cavalry, Commanding. 

Colonel Thomas Moonliglit was directed to place 
liimself in communication with Colonel Ford. 

On the lltli, General Curtis proceeded to Olathe, 
accompanied by the following members of his staff: 
Major C. S. Chariot, A. A. G. ; Major T. J. 
McKenny, Additional A. D. C. ; and Major R. H. 
Hunt, 15th Kansas, Chief of Artillery. Captain 
Meeker, Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Signal Corps, and 
Lieutenant Hubbard, A. S. O., were also in attend- 
ance with their command. Honorable James H. 
Lane, Volunteer Aide-de-Camp, accompanied the 
General. Honorable S. C. Pomeroy and Colonel W. 
H. Roberts, Volunteer Aides, reported on the 15th. 

For the purpose of obtaining wood and water, the 
rendezvous was changed to Shawnee Town, still 
nearer the State line. General Blunt was ordered 
to Hickman's Mills, Missouri. General George W. 
Deitzler, commanding the State militia, reported at 
Olathe that evening, and regiments from Leaven- 
worth, Lawrence and contiguous districts, arrived. 
Every disposition was made for the prompt organiza- 
tion and equipment of these forces. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 
4th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd Regiments, 
Kansas State Militia, arrived during the three next 



AERIVAL OF MILITIA. 59 

days. General Grant was very active in discliarge 
of liis duties. A depot for ordnance, subsistence 
and c|uartermaster stores was established at Wyan- 
dotte. Tlie 23rd Regiment, Colonel William Weer, 
was stationed there ; Major Hubbard being in 
command of tlie post. The cavalry portions of the 
2nd and 3rd Regiments were consolidated into one 
command, mider Colonel George W. Veale, 2nd 
Regiment. The infantry were placed under Colonel 
Williamson, of the 3rd. A portion of the Topeka 
Battery, under Captain Handley, with a twenty-four 
pound howitzer, was also attached to Colonel 
Veale' s command, whose experience as Major of the 
Oth Kansas Cavalry was deemed of value. Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Al,^ernathy, formerly of the 8th Kansas, 
acted as Chiefof Staif to General Grant. General 
Deitzler's Staff was announced: Chief, Lieutenant- 
Colonel O. E. Leonard ; Cavalry, Lieut.-Col. A .W. 
Spicer, (both, formerly of the 1st Kansas) ; Adjutant, 
Major John T. Morton ; Quartermaster, Lieutenant- 
Colonel William Rosenthall ; Engineer, Major L. E. 
Wilmarth; Judge Advocate, Major John J. Ingalls; 
Paymaster, Major Charles Chadwick ; and as Aides, 
Lieutenant -Colonel William Crawford, Majors E. G. 
Moore, A. R. Banks, and A. S. Hughes. 

General Grant's command was moved forward to 
Turkey Creek, beyond Shawnee. A dispatch was 
received on the 13th, announcing General Rosecrans 
as having taken the field. Shelby was reported in 
Howard and Randolph Counties, with four thousand 



.60 AEMY OF THE BOKDEE. 

men. Springfield not disturbed. Pleasanton at 
Jefferson City. Rebels reported moving on the 
North Missouri Road ; also Standwaite, near Hum- 
boldt, Kansas. Price was moving on the George- 
town and Boone ville Road ; Sanborn six miles 
from the latter point, which Shelby occupied. The 
statements in relation to North Missouri and 
Standwaite, were deemed and proved untrue. 
General Curtis directed that the militia (being 
without uniform) should wear as a distinctive l)adge, 
a piece of red material of some kind. Most of the 
men found badges in the scai'let leaves of the 
Sumach, which at this season flamed along the creeks 
and on the prairie's edge. Nicknames are always 
plenty wherever men assemble. They learned to 
good humoredly designate themselves as " Kansas 
Tads," or "The Sumach Millish." The staff officers 
were employed on the work of Ins]3ection. General 
Lane, Senator Pomeroy, Col. Roberts, of the Vol- 
unteer Staff, with Major McKenny, attended to this 
duty, visiting Wyandotte, Shawneetown, Hickman's 
Mills, Kansas City and Independence. Major Hunt 
hurried forward the ordnance stores and amuni- 
tion with great activity. Lieutenant Fitch, of the 
Signal Corps, was detailed as Quarter-Master. 

At daylight of the 14th, Major General Blunt 
moved from Paola towards Hickman's Mills, Mo. 
He took with him the 11th Kansas Cavalry, Colonel 
Thomas Moonlight, Commanding; Company "L," 
5th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Young; Company 



FOE WARD MOVEMET^TS. 61 

"A," Captain Ames, 16th Kansas; tlie IndepeiKient 
Battery, Colorado Volunteers, Captain George 
McLain ; and a portion of the 5th (Colonel G. A. 
Colton), and 10th Regiments (Colonel AYm. Pen- 
nick), K. S. M. These troops were all mounted. 

On the 15th, Colonel Jennison arrived from 
Mound City, with the 15th Kansas Cavalry ; Colonel 
C. W. Blair, 14th Kansas, from Fort Scott, with a 
battalion of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry — portions of 
Companies " A," " C," " D," " F" and " M,"— under 
Captain Carpenter, Com})any " A ;" also Companies 
"D," "E^' and "L," 11th Kansas Cavalry ; Com- 
pany "D," Captain Kendall, 16th Kansas, and the 
right section of the 2d Battery, Kansas Volunteers, 
Lieutenant Knowles. Captain Geo. J. Clark, Ord- 
nance Officer, accompanied Colonel Blair, with ammu- 
nition train, and four mountain-howitzers — twelve- 
jiounders — in charge of Lieutenant William B. 
Clark, Company " E," 11th Kansas Cavalry, with 
sixty men of his company. These troops had been 
directed to join, by forced marches. With Colonel 
Blair, were a battalion of militia (mounted) from 
Bourbon County, under Lieutenant Colonel, G. P. 
Eves, and a Company of Scouts, under Captain 
John Wilson. The 6th Regiment K. S. M., Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Snoddy, also reported. The entire 
force numbered about forty-two hundred men, with 
eight Parrot guns, and nine mountain-howitzers, the 
latter attached to the Cavalry. 

Major Smith, 2d Colorado Cavalry, who had been 



62 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. 

sent by Colonel Ford to Independence, returned, 
reporting a force under Colonel Page, 1,200 strong, 
within a short distance of that place. He was again 
sent out after dark, with two hundred men, to 
reconnoitre. No other information was received. 
Active scouting was maintained to the East and 
South-East, but no evidence of rebel advance in force 
visible. In Henry County stragglers were seen, sup- 
posed to be men on furlough, visiting their homes. 
Advices from St. Louis, located Price's columns at 
or near Booneville, during this period of suspense. 
The cavalry belonging to the Districts of Generals 
McNeil, Sanbprn, Brown and Fisk, were hanging 
on his rear under General Pleasanton. Colonel 
Winslow's Brigade of the 17th Army Corps, Gen- 
eral A. J. Smith, joined the pursuit. 

General Curtis having determined on a forward 
movement into Missouri, arranged his forces in two 
divisions ; the main body of the militia, under 
Major-General Deitzler, constituting the left wing, to 
move from Shawneetown towards Lexington, by 
way of Independence. The riglit wing, under 
Major-General Blunt, consisting of the Volunteer 
Cavalry and tlie Southern Border Militia, to move 
by way of Warrensburg. 

The successful execution of this plan was frus- 
trated by the opposition manifested by the militia 
to crossing the State line. A portion of the Cavalry 
Brigade organized by General Grant, consisting of 
the 19tli and 4th, were directed to report to Colonel 



OEGAinZATION OP FIEST DIVISION. 63 

Ford at Independence. On reaching tlie State line 
at Oxford, a part of the 19th refused to cross, 
dechiring that there was no power to compel them. 
They were appealed to by Generals Deitzler and 
Grant. The 4th Regiment, Colonel McCain, crossed 
without hesitation, and at last the balance took 
its line of march to Independence. 

Colonel Ford, with ten companies of the 2d 
Colorado, had already preceded them, in obedience 
to orders from General Blunt. Major Pritchard, of 
the same regiment, was in command of the post at 
Kansas City. 

At Hickman's Mills, similar difficulties occurred 

with the border militia. On the 15th, General 

Blunt issued an order brigading his force as follows : 

1st Brigade, Colonel C. R. Jennison, 15th Kansas Volun- 
teer Cavalry, Commanding". 
15tli Reghnent Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant- 

ColoneV George H. Hoyt commandhig. 
3rd Reghnent Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Battalion, of 

live companies. Captain Carpenter commanding. 
Four twelve-pound mountain-howitzers. 
2d Brigade, Colonel Thomas Moonlight, 11th Kansas 

Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding. 
11th Regiment Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel 

Plumb. 
Compan}'^ L, 5th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Young. 
Company D, 16th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Kendall. 
Four twelve-pound mountain-howitzers. 
3rd Brigade, Colonel C. W. Bla.ir, 14th Regiment 

Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding. 
5th Regiment Kansas State Militia, Colonel G. A. Colton 

(Miami County). 
6tli Regiment Kansas State Militia, Lieutenant Colonel 

J. I). Snoddy (Linn County). 
10th Regiment Kansas State Militia, Colonel Wra. Pennock 

(Franklin County). 



64 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

Detachment of Company E, lltli Kansas Cavalry, Lien- 
tenant Wm. B. Clark. 

Battalion Bourbon County Militia (four companies), Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Eves. 

Independent Battery, Colorado Yolnnteers, Captain Mc- 
Lain, six guns ; and right section of 2d Kansas 
Battery, Lieutenant Knowles. 
Brigadier-General Fishback, Kansas State Militia, to 

have immediate command, reporting to Colonel Blair. 

This last order was issued on a supposed agreement 
of General Fishback to waive the question of rank. 
Dissatisfaction, however, was soon manifested by 
that officer and Colonel Snoddy. General Fishback 
issued the following order : 

Head-Quarters 5th Brigade, K. S. M., ) 
Hickman's Mills, Oct. 15, 1864. ( 

Colonel Colton, of the 5th Regiment K, S. M., Colonel 
J. D. Snoddy, 6th Regiment K. S. M., and Colonel 
Pennock, of the lOtli Regiment K. S. M., are hereby ordered 
to march their regiments to Rockville, via Anbury, with 
the discretion to march from Anbury too, if in their 
judgment tlie enemy are likely to attack Paola.^ 
By order of Brigadier-General Fishback : 

H. McBkide, a. a. G. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Snoddy, in common witli 
others, had been directed to report to division head- 
quarters the numl:)er of men, arms, amount of 
ammunition, etc., in his command. He did so, and 
also forwarded the following request : 

IIead-Qitarters 6th Regiment, K. S. M., ) 
Hickman's Mills, Mo., Oct. 15, 1864. ) 

Captain Geo. S. Hamptox, A. A. G. : 

In view of the fact that all the efiective men of Linn 
County, Kansas, are now here in my command, and that 
in consequence that county is now left entirely without 
pvotection, and that the men of my command are poorly 
prepared to endure a campaign, from the want of camp 



ACTION OF COLONEL SNODDY. 65 

equipage, I most respectfully ask that 1 be ordered with 
my regiment to the border of Linn County. 

Yery respectfully, your obedient serv't, 

Jas. D. Snoddy, 
Lieutenant-Colonel commanding 6th liegt. K. S. M. 

An endorsement was returned, as follows : 

Head-Quarters 1st Division, Army of the 
Border, in the Field, 
Hickman's Mills, Oct. 15, 1864. 

Eespectfully returned — application refused. The Gen- 
eral comnianding will make such disposition of the troops 
under his command as in his judgment he thinks best. 
Everything will be done that is possible to supply the 
militia of your command with whatever is requii-ed for 
their comfort, when application is made through the 
proper channels. 

By command of Major-General Blunt : 

Geo. S. Hampton, A. A. G. 

Early on tlie 16th, the dissatisfaction culminated 
in an attempt to marcli the 6th Regiment to Kansas. 
The regiment was already on its Avay ere General 
Blunt was informed. Prompt measures were taken. 
The 15th Kansas was ordered out. General Blunt, 
in person, stopped the regiment, and placed General 
Fishlmck and Colonel Snoddy in arrest, ordering 
them to Paola, and marched the militia back to 
camp. They returned most willingly, greeting the 
General's action with cheers, and displaying an 
enthusiastic desire to meet the enemy. Colonel 
James Montgomery, formerly of the 3d Kansas 
Vokinteers, and latterly of the 2d South Carolina 
Volunteers (colored), who had distinguished himself 
greatly in South Carolina and Florida, Laving 
8 . 



66 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

arrived at head-quarters to tender liis services, was 
by tlie 6tli Regiment unanimously elected Colonel. 
No further conflict of authority occurred. General 
Fish back was released from arrest by order of 
General Curtis, on the ground of a misunderstanding 
between him and General Blunt. He afterwards 
served gallantly with his brigade at the Big Blue, 
Westport, rendering eflicient service prior thereto in 
forwarding troops. Colonel Snoddy was I'etained a 
prisoner at Paola, till after the army of the border 
moved south in pursuit of Price. 

At four P. M. of the 16th, General Blunt 
received orders to move with all his mounted force 
towards Pleasant Hill. At seven the same evening, 
the 1st and 2d Brigades, 2,000 men, with eight 
howitzers, took uj) the line of march. Before 
marching, the Division Staff was announced : Cap- 
tain G. S. Hampton, A. A. G. ; Captain B. F. 
Simpson, 15th Kansas, Acting Quartermaster ; Cap- 
tain Geo. J. Clark, Ordnance Officer (he remained 
with Colonel Blair); Captain A. eT. Shannon, Division 
Provost Marshal ; Volunteer Aide-de-Camps, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel J. T. Burris, late of the 10th Kansas, 
Major P. G. Ward, 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers, 
Captain Milhoan, late of the 10th Kansas. Captain 
R. J. Hinton, 2d Kansas Colored Volunteers, A. D. 
C. on the regular staff, reported for duty to General 
Curtis, being unable to reach division head-quarters 
till after the engagement at Lexington. Major 
Penny, late of 31st Missouri Volunteers, Volunteer 



LOCATION OF TKOOPS. 67 

A. T>. C, was assigned to duty after tliat battle. 
General Lane remained on duty witli General Blunt, 
by direction of General Curtis. Colonel Blair, witli 
the 3d Brigade, moved to the west side of the Big 
Blue, where he encamped. Colonel Ford, with the 
2d Colorado, held Independence, six miles further 
east. He had with him there his own regiment, 
under Major J. Nelson Smith, and several companies 
of the 16th Kansas Cavalry (Colonel Werter R. 
Davis, Commanding Post at Fort Leavenworth), 
undei* Lieutenant-Colonel Sam. Walker, one of the 
best officers and most gallant soldiers in the service. 
The 4th and 19th Regiments Kansas State Militia 
(cavalry), commanded by Colonels Hogan and 
McCain. Colonel Hofran commanded the brio;ade. 

Orders were issued directino; militia then concen- 
trating at Paola, Mound City and Fort Scott, in 
view of the probability of Price's moving south 
from the vicinity of Lexington, to remain there, 
holding themselves in readiness to march at any 
moment. Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, I7th Kansas, 
with two companies, garrisoned Paola. lie was 
shortly after joined by the 12th Regiment Kansas 
State Militia (Lyon County), Colonel Mitchell, 
the 16th (Coffey County), Colonel Potter, and a 
mounted battalion fi'om Osage County, under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel M. M. Murdoch. This latter, in 
obedience to orders, moved uj) tlie line in the 
direction of Westport, and opportunely arrived in 
time to participate in the engagement of the 2 2d. 



68 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

At Mound City, Captain Greer, 15tli Kansas, was in 
command. He had as garrison sixty men, conva- 
lescents, 15 til Kansas, and five companies of the 
Linn County Militia, two mounted. At Fort Scott, 
Captain Vittum, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, was in 
command. He had with him about two hundred 
volunteers, mostly 2d Kansas Cavalry. Two regi- 
ments of militia under Brigadier-General J. B. Scott 
were also assembled there. About three hundred 
colored men, called out under the proclamation of 
martial law, were placed under command of Lieu- 
tenant Wm. D. Matthews (colored), Light Artillery, 
United States Colored Troops, who, witli his 
command, were put in charge of a portion of the 
defences. 

At various other points in the State, militia were 
assembled. Those regiments rendezvousing at At- 
chison were ordered to the front, but owing to a 
misunderstanding and conflict of authority, they did 
not move till after the battle of Little Blue, aroused 
all to a realizing sense of the danger in which the 
State was placed. The 15th Eegiment was retained 
at Fort Riley. The lith, under Colonel Harvey, 
formerly of the 10th Kansas Volunteers, exhibited 
great alacrity in concentrating and marching, having 
over one hundred miles to travel. They reached the 
State line on the afternoon of the 22nd, while an 
engagement was in progress. Thence they marched 
to Westport and Kansas City. They made this 
inarch in six days. The 18th Regiment, infantry, 



GEISTEEAL CURTIS' MOVEMENTS. 69 

Colonel Matthew Quigg, formerly of the lOth Kansas 
Volunteers, left Atchison and marched to AVyan- 
dotte, where they remained in camp till the 22nd, 
when they moved to Big Blue. The 12th Regiment, 
cavalry, Colonel L. S. Treat, was among the fore- 
most in usefulness. Two days after receipt of orders. 
Colonel Treat, with four hundred men, was in the 
saddle. On the IGtli he reported at Wyandotte to 
General Curtis, and thence to Colonel Ford, at 
Independence. 

While troops were thus concentrating, and the 1st 
Division was marching towards Lexington, the com- 
manding General was moving to the diiferent 
rendezvous, reconnoitering the country, and making 
other dispositions to meet the enemy. It having 
been found almost impossible to move the State 
troops as a unit upon the Lexington road, it was 
wisely determined to turn all efforts to holding 
them together at the next most available line of 
defence. General Curtis confidently hoped the 
troops under Bosecrans would overtake the I'ebel 
army at or near Lexington, turn them on a retreat, 
and thus enable him, with the irregular forces at liis 
disposal, to attack their Hank, disorder and pursue 
their retreating columns. The main difficulty Avas 
in obtainino; accurate intellio;ence. Ilead-ouarters 

O ox 

were successively made at Wyandotte, Kansas City 
and Independence. 

At Kansas City, Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler, loth 
Kansas, and Captain Hinton, of General Blunt' s 



70 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

staif, reported for duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Sears, 
18th U. S. C. T,, at home on furlough, also reported. 
He was announced as Provost Marshal. Captain 
Edgar Seelye, A. Q. M., stationed at Kansas City, 
was announced as Acting Chief Quartermaster. 
From Fort Smith, Arkansas, arrived Colonel Wm. 
F. Cloud, 2nd Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel S. 
J. Crawford, 2d Kansas Colored Volunteers (now 
Governor of Kansas), and Colonel John Ritchie, 
1st Kegiment, Indian Brigade, who with Lieu- 
tenant S. S. Prouty, Regimental Quarter-Master 
3rd Regiment, Indian Brigade, reported to General 
Curtis for duty, and were assigned ; the Colonel as 
Volunteer Aidde-Camp, and Lieutenant Prouty to 
the Quarter-Master's Department. 

Other members of the department staff arrived. 
Lieutenant G. T. Robinson, Chief Engineer, was 
placed in charge of the preparation of defences upon 
the lines chosen by General Cartis. Major S. S. 
Curtis, 2d Colorado, A. D. C, reported on the 18th 
at Kansas City, with the Steamer "Benton," on 
board which, he had run the blockade of the Mis- 
souri River, estabhshed by the rebels at Lexington 
and elsewhere. The whole trip was of so daring a 
character as to be worthy of mention. 

Major Curtis, in obedience to orders, took posses- 
sion and charge of the Benton, on the 7th of October. 
Had on board three companies of the 43rd M. S. M., 
under command of Major Davis. Three companies 
of same Regiment were on the AVest Wind ; all 



RUNNING THE EIVEE BLOCKADE. 7l 

imder commaud of Col. Chester Harding. Started 
immediately for Jefferson City ; were much dela3'ed 
by low Water and hard winds, and only reached 
Brunswick at 10 A. M., of the 11th inst. Found 
the town occupied by Captain Kennedy, of Price's 
Army, with eighty men, mostly raised in the place. 
A guerilla, named Ryder, with one hundred men, 
had left the preceding evening. We landed, driving 
the enemy from the town at the first lire. Colonel 
Harding seized all the serviceable horses, mounted 
and sent in pursuit eighty men, who returned during 
the night, reporting having come up with the enemy, 
who again fled without fight. Lieut. Brunswick next 
day saw a few of the enemy at Cambridge. Ar- 
rived at Glasgow on the 13th ; found Captain Mayer, 
of 9th M. S. M., with al)Out three hundred cavalry, 
and as many more armed citizens, throwing up 
intrenchments, intending to hold the place as long as 
possil)le. Learned that Price was at Booneville, 
conscripting every man fit for duty, and had posses- 
sion of the steam ferry boat. Colonel Harding 
decided to remain at Glasgow. Believing the ])oat 
would be wanted at Leavenworth, Major Curtis con- 
cluded to return, and in view of the -weakness of the 
garrison, without a guard, feeling confident the ])oat 
could not be taken with small arms. He left Glas- 
gow on the 1-lth ; was fired into that evening at 
Miami City, and at Plains City, and again the next 
morning, when the mate of the boat was slightly 
wounded. Fired into near Waverly, by about fifty 



72 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

rebels, and also at Lexington. Here the boat was 
under a lieavy fire from tM^o hundred bushwhackers ; 
the shot fell thick and fast, without however, doing 
material damage. Besides the above, was fired into 
repeatedly by small parties. The boat was struck 
by over six hundred shots ; probably three or four 
thousand more were fired at her, before arriving at 
Kansas City. Though bringing up the boat was 
considered hazardous, the capture of Glasgow the 
next day by Price, proves it better than to have 
remained there. 

The following order was issued, owing to the 
re23orted connivance with rebels, of the commanders 
of certain captured boats : 

Head-Quarters, Department oe Kansas, ) 
Fort Leavenworth^ Octoher 15, 1861. j 

General Orders, 
No. 56. 

Commanders and owners of Steam-boats and Ferry- 
boats on the Missouri River, in this command, will see that 
their boats do not fall into rebel hands in a condition for 
rebel service, under the sure and swift penalty of the loss 
of boat, and the forfeit of the life of the commander 
and pilot. 

By Command of Major-General Curtis : 

W. H. Stark, 
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. 



CPIAPTER VIII. 



MARCH TO LEXINGTON PREPARATIONS AT THE BIG 

BLUE MOVEMENTS OF MILITIA. 

On tlie 18th, General Curtis' Head-Quarters were at 
Camp Chariot, Kansas City. Information was con- 
stantly received of the movements of General Blunt, 
who, with the volunteer cavalry of his Division, was 
moving by tlie Warrensburg Road towards Lexing- 
ton. On leaving Hickman's Mills, Major Anderson 
had been sent towards AVarrensburg, with instruc- 
tions to move east until lie obtained reliable informa- 
tion. Bushwhackers were reported in the vicinity 
of Plea-sant Hill. Captain Allen, of the 7tli E. M. 
M., with one hundred and fifty men, held that point. 
At Warensburg, all tlie militia had been removed to 
Jefferson City by General Brown. Major Emory S. 
Foster assumed command, taking active measures 
to defend tlie place. He succeeded in arming 
about one hundred and twenty men in all, and 
obtained 5,000 cartridges. The Court House was 
9 



74 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

occupied as quarters, and defences made around it of 
wagons and cord wood belonging to the cparter- 
master's department. Major Anderson reached the 
town on the 16th iust., and returned to Pleasant 
Hill on the l7th. Captain Palmer, 11th Kansas, 
with twenty men, was sent on a scout to Knob 
Noster, ten miles east of Warrensburg, but till after 
the I7th, was not heard from. One of our spies, 
who had been within Price's canij), reported him as 
having a force of over 20,000, daily augmented by 
conscripts and recruits. Camp rumors stated Price's 
intention to move on Kansas City by way of Lex- 
ington, following the. river, and thence through 
Kansas and the Indian Territory to the Arkansas. 
General Blunt believed this would be their route; 
all information obtained, confirmed it. Hopes 
were entertained of communicating with Sanborn, 
who, on the 14th, was at Georgetown. On the l7th. 
Blunt moved to Holden ; the same night twenty 
miles towards Lexington ; on the afternoon of the 
18th, reached that city. 

In the meanwhile, Major J. Nelson Smith, 2d Col- 
orado Volunteer Cavalry, had been ordered on a 
scout towards Lexington, the results of which are 
thus reported by him : 

Independence, Mo., Oct. 18, 1864. 

JRobert L. Roe^ A. A. A. General, 1st Brigade, 'ind 
Division, Army of the Border : 

Sir: — For the information of the Colonel conmiandins;, 
I have the honor to report that in pursuance to instructions 
received from him I left this place on the afternoon of 



SCOUT OF HAJOE SMITH. 75 

Sunday, the 16th instant, at eight o'ch^ck, with a detach- 
ment of the 16th Kansas Cavah-y and 2nd Cok)rado 
Cavah'y, viz. : Companies H, K and L, 16th Kansas, 
comniaiuk^l by Major Ketner, and Companies C, E, C, K 
and L, 2nd Colorado, nnmbering in all about three hundred 
men. I proceeded east on the Lexington Telegraph lioad, 
and when out nine or ten miles from this place found the 
telegraph line down and cut, which continued for every 
two or three miles until I reached Lexington. * * * 
When within ten miles of Lexinu'ton, I commenced makino- 
inquiries in regard to the force, and kind, at that place, and 
the invariable report was from live hmidred to seven 
hundred men, about half Confederate troops and the rest 
bushwhackers ; and not till I got within a mile and a half 
or two miles could I learn anything to the contrary, when 
I learned that it was reported that the enemy's force had 
left late the night before. I dashed with nSy command 
into the town on the morning of the 17th, a little after 
sunrise, but found the town evacuated. I was informed by 
the citizens that a strong picket of the enemy had been jjosted 
in the town during the night previous, and had left at day- 
light. Also, that a small picket force had left the town as I 
occupied it. I found but very few citizens in the streets, 
and they all women and children ; but as soon as they 
learned that "Feds." occupied the town, what few male 
citizens there were left commenced crawding out of their 
holes, and the citizens generally commenced crowding 
around us — some in tears, some in smiles, and some in 
rags. They generally appeared much rejoiced at our 
arrival, and offered us the hospitalities of the town, invitiiig 
us to their homes, and acting as if they could not do too 
much for us. I immediately posted a strong picket about 
the town and sent out scouts in different directions, as I 
had learned that a force, from five hundred to seven 
hundred, of Confederates had been in camp only six miles 
from town at daylight, intending, if such a force was there, 
if not too strongly posted, to make them show their hands- 
or else throw up ours. My scouts proceeded in a south 
and south-easterly direction a distance of nine miles, and 
found no force except a picket of the enemy six miles 
from town, which the scouts fired upon, killing one and 
wounding two. I learned that quite a large force of the 
enemy had been at Dover, a distance of eight miles, but 



76 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. 

that the pickets had been driven in from Lexington by the 
Federal troops, and reported them in large force there and 
more coming, and that the Confederates had got up and 
" skedaddled." 

I also learned in Lexington, from what I consider pretty- 
reliable authority, that a force from 2,000 to 3,000 strong 
(said to be Shelby's force, and commanded by General 
Fagan, C. S. A.) was down the river at Waverly. The 
citizens of Lexington have had a reign of terror, both 
loyal people, McClellan people, and rebels. The enemy 
have plundered and robbed indiscriminately, taking every- 
thing of value they could carry away, and have left many 
poor families very destitute. I captured thirty (30) double- 
barreled shot-guns, brought by the enemy to Lexington, to 
arm their conscripts with ; also, one thousand rounds of 
ammunition, all of which I destroyed, as I had no trans- 
portation to^arry them away. I sent a dispatch to Captain 
Fads, 1st M. S. M., who I learned was at Eiclnnond, 
across the river, and who was in command at Lexington, 
with his company, and two full companies of citizen 
guards, at the time that it was evacuated, advising him to 
return, which he did just as my rear guard was leaving 
town. Being well satisfied that he could hold the place, if 
he chose to, I left the place with my command at about 
four o'clock, being out of rations, the citizens pleading 
wnth me to stay, and telling me that they would feed my 
whole command so long as I chose to, or could stay there. 
I returned eighteen miles by the same route on which I 
came in, and went into camp, it being now dark. Just 
before going into camp, my advance ran into six mounted 
men, which I supposed to be the enemy's bushwhacker 
pickets, and who after getting into the brush some distance, 
discharged two shots, probably signals for the force to 
which they belonged. It being quite dark, my command 
and their horses being tired and worn out, I did not think' 
it advisable to pursue them. I here had my telegraph 
•operator "tap" the wire, so that I might communicate with 
you, but he reported that he could get no circuit, and I 
had to abandon it. 

Hearing that a force of from seventy-live to one hundred 
bushwhackers had passed south of us just before we went 
into camp, I sent Captain Greene with his company (E), 
and companies G and L, 2nd Colorado Cavalry, this 



CAPTAIISr KATHBURn's GEISTEEAL ORDEE. 77 

morning just before daylight, to see if lie could find their 
whereabouts, and if so to give them a turn. His (Captain 
Green's) report accompanies this, and is marked ^'C," 
also notice marked "A,"" published by Ca])tain Beding-er, 
C. S. A., at Lexington, October 14th, 1864, and orders 
marked '' B," by Captain George S. llathburn, same date 
and army. Most of the recruits enlisted by Captains 
Rathburn and Bedinger, as well as most of their conscripts, 
deserted and returned to their homes. 

In conclusion, I would remark that too much credit 
cannot be given to the officers and men under my command 
for their good behavior and prompt obedience of orders. 
No complaints whatever came to me of the misconduct of 
any man of my command. I broke camp at daylight 
this morning, and arrived here at twelve o'olock M. 
(Signed) J. Nelson Smith. 

Major 2d Colorado Cavalry, Commanding. 



NOTICE. 

Head-Quarters, Lexington, Mo., Oct. 14th. 

I hereby notify the citizens of the city of Lexington and 
vicinity, that I am here now for the purpose of enlisting 
all those who are subject to military duty, and organizing 
them into companies, battalions, &c., with authority from 
Major-General Price. All those subject to duty will report 
to me at the Court House, immediately. 

L. L. Bedinger, 
Captain and Recruiting Officer. 



GENERAL ORDER. 

Head-Quarters Detachment Shelby's Brigade, ) 
Lexington, Mo., Oct. 14th. f 

The city of Lexington having this day surrendered to 
me by the Mayor thereof, in the name of the Confederate 
Government, I have the honor to issue the following 
General Order : 

I. The rights of non-combatants and private property 
must be respected and preserved. 

II. All male white citizens between the ages of seven- 
teen and fifty are ordered to report to head-quarters at the 



78 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

Court House, within twentj-four hours after issuing this 
order. 

III. All public property belonging to the Federal Gov- 
ernment in this city is taken possession of, in the name of 
the Confederacy, and the citizens are required to report the 
same to head-quarters at the Court House, immediately. 

IV. If any shots are fired from houses in the city upon 
Confederate troops, or any force under my command, such 
houses are ordered to be burned to the ground. 

V. Proper vouchers to be issued for all property taken 
for the public use in the Quartermaster's Department. 

This order to be rigidly enforced. 

Geo. S. Rathbukn, 
Capt. Com'd'g Detachment Shelby's Brigade, Recruiting 
Service. 



Independence, Mo., Oct. 7, 1864. 

Sir : — I have the honor herewith to report for the infor- 
mation of the Major-Commanding, that I scouted in a south- 
east direction through Texas Prairie, and found a large 
trail going east, supposed to be Todd's command. Said 
trail was in the vicinity of Judge Gray's. We then struck 
for Fire Prairie, by the way of Robinson's ; thence w^est, 
crossing the Blue at Franklin's. From there we struck the 
Lexington and Independence road, four miles from tins 
place. After leaving the large trail, we heard of two 
parties, one of six and one of three, traveling in all 
thirty miles from the time of leaving your command on 
same date. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) W. H. Green, 

Captain Company E, 2nd Colorado Cavalry. 

To Lieutenant J. W. Stanton, Bat. 

While tliese movements were progressing, the 
difficulty of advancing the militia to the points most 
essential for practical resistance to Price, daily- 
became greater. The aim now was to concentrate 
force enough at some particular point sufficiently 
strong to effiictually hold the rebel army in checls 



OPEEATIONS OF THE MILITIA. ^9 

until General Pleasanton could co-operate. To this 
end Colonel Blair was stationed at the Big Blue, and 
with the engineers, actively engaged in fortifying 
that line, by means of formidable abattis and 
breast works at salient points, rifle pits to cover the 
line of advance, and such other means as would 
materially strengthen the natural advantages of the 
west bank of the stream. At Kansas City martial 
law was rigidly enforced, and all available force 
set to w^ork constructing a long line of intrench- 
ments on the east and south, thus creating a formid- 
able obstacle to the rebel army. Officers were sent 
to hurry all troops to the front. Among these, 
Captain R. J. Hinton received orders to take general 
charge of the movements and organization of the 
colored men. The Leavenworth Battalion, under 
Captain Raiferty, accompanied by a section of 
Parrott guns, with thirty men, under Lieutenant P. 
H. Minor (colored), two companies from Wyandotte, 
and three from Shawneetown, were sent to the 
front under the general direction of Captain Hinton, 
with the assistance of Lieutenant-Colonel O. E. 
Learnerd and Captain Simpson, Kansas State Mi- 
litia. These troops, with companies attached to 
other regiments, were organized as a l^rigade, and 
placed under command of Captain Rafterty, 83d 
United States Colored Troops. It numbered over 
one thousand men, who deserve, with their officers, 
great credit for uniform zeal and gallantry. Mean- 
while the handling of the militia became more 



80 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

difficult. Since Price moved from Jefferson on the 
9tli, no positive information had been received of his 
whereabouts. This tended to increase the difficulties. 
They are strikingly illustrative of the obstacles 
caused, even in a loyal community, by the mis- 
chievous theory of State sovereignty, and show the 
necessity of remodeling our militia system, and 
adapting it somewhat to the wants of a nation, 
instead of being now lit only for the loose ties of a 
confederation. 

A dispatch from General Deitzler to General 
Curtis, illustrates forcibly the great trouble in the 
way of effective organization : 

Independence, Mo., Oct. 17, 5 P. M., 1864. 

General : — I have the honor to inform yon that the 
militia regiments ordered to repair to tliis post from Shaw- 
neetown yesterday, refnsed to cross the State line this 
mornino; nntii after I made them a speech exphiining the 
object of the movement, and promised to accompany them, 
and see that they are " not ordered too far in this State." 
They are arriving here as I write, and seem to be in good 
spirits. I apprehend considerable difficnlty in indncing 
them to march fnrther into JVIissonri, and I shall regret if 
the necessity arises to make the effort. They know tlieir 
rights nnder the militia laws of our State, and will not 
tamely submit to an effort to move them ftir from their 
homes, unless the necessity is great and apparent. General 
Blunt passed through Pleasant Hill to-day, moving towards 
Warrensburg. Major Smith has not yet returned, but 
is expected in during the night. He will doubtless bring 
some reliable information respecting the strength and 
whereabouts of Price's army. I cannot persuade myself 
to believe his army is moving in this direction in consid- 
erable force. A few days will certainly determine this 
perplexing business." 



PEEPAEATIONS AT THE BIG BLUE. 81 

The 1st Regiment Kansas State IMilitia refused to 
cross the line. The Leavenworth Mercantile Battery 
deserted, taking their guns. On the 19th, over 
one-half the 1st Regiment returned to Leavenworth. 
The others moved to Wyandotte. Afterwards, a 
small number crossed the river, and participated in 
the battle of Westport. They were induced to this 
by the action of Lieutenant-Colonel McCarthy and 
Adjutant Frank S. Drake. A small number after- 
wards moved over Avith Colonel Robinson, who also 
removed his shoulder-straps and took a musket. 

To return. The force at Independence has already 
been given. General Deitzler, at Shawneetown, was 
reinforced by the 9th Battery Wisconsin Volunteers, 
under Captain J. W. Dodge and Lieutenant Hicks, 
w^ho had left Fort Riley on the 14th, making a 
forced march of one hundred and forty miles, and 
reporting on the 18th. He was afterwards attached 
to Colonel Blair's Brigade. 

At the Big Blue, every preparation was being 
made. At Kansas City, Colonel Coats commanded 
the Missouri Militia. Colonel Van Horn, M. C. 
elect, was of great service in rallying and organizing 
the loyal people. At Wyandotte, a large militia 
force w^as assembled. Major Hubbard, Command- 
ing the post, was untiring in the discharge of his 
duties. The 18th Regiment, Colonel Quigg, was in 
camp, as also the 23rd. At Shawnee, was General 
Deitzler s Head-Quarters. A large force was assem- 
bled there. 

10 



82 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

On the night of the 18th, General Curtis received 
dispatches from Bhmt, announcing his arrival at 
Lexington. Near that place, Colonel Moonlight's 
advance (the 11th) run on a small guerilla force, 
drove them through the town, killing and capturing 
three. Shelby was known to be at AVaverly on the 
17th, Price was at Marshall, Saline County, and 
moving up the river. His head-quarters, reported at 
the Kizer farm, thirty-two miles east of Lexington. 
Conscripting was going on briskly. Blunt urged the 
sending of troops, and the repair of telegraph from 
Independence. Captain Geo. West, with thirty-six 
men of Company " F," was sent with dispatches. 
At 11 A. M., of the 19th, a party was sent to repair 
the telegraph. 

At 4 A. M., of the 20th, a dispatch was received 
by General Curtis, announcing an engagement at 
Lexington that afternoon, with General Price, and 
the falling back of Blunt towards Independence. 

Tliis intelligence was immediately communicated 
to Fort Leavenworth, to all posts and the forces at 
the Big Blue, Shawnee, "Wyandotte and Kansas City. 
It was now evident that Price's entire army was 
moving westward, aiming directly at Kansas. 
Lieutenant Smith, Company M., 3rd Kansas State 
Militia, was ordered to scout thoroughly towards 
Blunt's advance on the Lexington Road. Captain 
Hinton was sent forward with dispatches to General 
Blunt, whom he reached about sunrise. Major 
McKenny was dispatched to Colonel Ford, with 



83 

orders for him to keep open the road to Kansas City. 
Captain Hyde, 16th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, was 
directed to take the Steamer Tom Morgan, and with 
a guard of twenty men proceed down the river as 
far as Lexington. If fired upon by artillery, to turn 
back and. report at Kansas City. 



CHAPTER IX. 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTOIS'. 



General Blunt, with two Brigades of Cavalry, 
moved from Hickman's Mills on the 16th, by way of 
Pleasant Hill and Holden, to Lexington. At Holden 
a party of citizens and militia from Warrensburg, 
were met, nnder command of Major Foster. They 
were sent back to Warrensburg ; Major Foster reach- 
ing that place first, and telegraphing that no rebel 
force had been there. Nothing of special import- 
ance occurred on the march. Company " B," Cap- 
•tain Green, 11th Kansas, held the advance, when our 
troops entered the city. At Lexington, the General 
learnt the rebel's whereabouts. Price was near 
Waverly, twenty-two miles east, busily engaged in 
concentrating his army for the purpose of resisting 
E-osecrans' advance. General Curtis was immedi- 
ately informed of the position, and requested to send 
the 2d Colorado and 16th Kansas Cavalry. Owing 
to the militia difficulties, the General was unable to 
send forward the desired reinforcements. This 



ADVANCE OF THE ENEMY. 85 

information was received at 11 A. M. of the 19tli. 
Messengers were sent to General Sanborn, but failed 
to reach him. 

The two brigades were disposed to meet the rebel 
advance. The 1st Brigade was encamped on the 
Fair Ground, south of town, and the 2d Brigade 
near the College Buildings, famous for their bloody 
defence by Mulligan in ISGl. Companies "A" and 
"F" of the lltli Kansas, under Captain Palmer, were 
stationed on the Dover road, and Company "B," Cap- 
tain Green, was stationed on the Warrensburg road. 

Early in the morning General Blunt, assisted by 
Hon. Jas. H. Lane and Lieutenant-Colonel Burris, 
acting as Aides, made a thorough inspection of the 
ground, and approaches to the city. They had but 
just returned, to head-quarters when information was 
received that our pickets had been driven in. The 
enemv were reported advancing in three columns 
by the Dover, Camden and AVarrensburg road. 
All was put in readiness for resistance. The 
pickets fell back, stubbornly contesting every foot 
of ground. The 1st Brigade immediately formed 
to the south of the Fair Ground, along a road 
running through the camp. The 2d Brigade took 
position in line with them. General Blunt, with the 
officers of his staff, was everywhere present. Strong 
parties were sent forward to make a thorough 
reconnoissance of the ground at our front. Our line 
of battle was formed to the south-east of the city, 
with 'open and undulating country in our front and 



86 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

open fields extending for two or tlu'ee miles ; the 
Independence road being in our rear. It thus 
offered a good opportunity for active skirmishing, 
and enabled us to keep open a line of retreat, all 
flanking movements being visible. The direct 
attack was made by the Camden road. A portion 
of the 15th Kansas, under Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, 
had been sent forward. The balance of the brigade, 
with howitzers, was posted on the southern edge of 
the city, but were soon after ordered back to the 
Fair Ground. Companies "E" and "F," under Capt. 
J. A. Curtis and 1st Lieutenant J. T. Smith, were 
moved to the right of the line upon the Sedalia road, 
with one howitzer, under Lieutenant J. Murphy, 
Company "B," 15th Regiment. Capt. Curtis moved 
forward rapidly, and soon became actively engaged 
with the rebel advance, four hundred strong, whom 
he drove back to the columns. The skirmishing was 
sharp and severe, firing with small arms being 
continuous, while the howitzer was used with con- 
siderable effect. The enemy was several times 
repulsed, not only here, but on our left, where the 
2d Brigade was actively engaged. While thus 
engaged, General Blunt, with his staff, was forming 
a second line of battle, and withdrawing the troops 
to take this position. The 2d Brigade was thus 
withdrawn. Captain Curtis, outflanked, had been 
cut off. He did not rejoin the main column 
until after dark, having gallantly cut his way 
through, meeting on his retreat a detachment under 



GENERAL BLUNT FALLS BACK. 87 

Captain West, 2d Colorado, who was bearing dis- 
patches to General Blunt. But for this opportune 
rencounter, Cai)tain West with his thirty men would 
have entered Lexington, then occupied by the rebels. 

By the time we were actively engaged, it became 
evident from the steady movements as they massed 
themselves in our front, that their whole force was 
present. At the same time they brought forward a 
battery, and soon convinced us of their possession of 
Parrott guns. Their artillery did not do us much 
damage, while our howitzers, well and rapidly 
served, were kept well in front, and loaded at short 
range with canister, did considerable execution, as 
was evident from the caution with which they 
advanced, in sj)ite of their overwhelming numbers 
and the disparity of our force, the small strength of 
w^hich was plainly visible. 

General Blunt's object was, by persistent resist- 
ance,- at the same time falling back, to delay the 
enemy and ascertain their strength. An irregular 
firing, with occasional artillery practice, was kept up 
for about two hours. Their rifled guns being 
brought into play, it became necessary for us to 
move off, which was done with the utmost coolness. 
General Blunt, General Lane, Captain Simpson and 
Colonel Burris had been throughout this engagement 
on the skirmish line, directing and participating in 
the fischt. General Lane dismounted, and with a 
Sharp's carbine took his place in the ranks of the 
skirmishers, in front of the 2d Brigade. 



88 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

The command was directed to withdraw on the 
Independence road. This was done in excellent 
order, though the enemy pressed forward rapidly to 
prevent its success. The movement was covered by 
the 11th Kansas Cavalry, Colonel Moonlight, with 
about five hundred men and four howitzers, cliecked 
the pressing colmnns. General Blunt and Colonel 
Moonlight personally directed the use and firing of 
the howitzers. The conduct of this force w^as 
beyond all praise. They fought and fell back, form- 
ing four different lines of battle, retiring only to the 
main column, when almost enveloped by the enemy. 
A retreating fight was maintained for over six miles, 
until the head of our column reached the forks of 
the roads to Independence and Wellington. Our 
loss was inconsiderable — about forty killed, wounded 
and missing. Many cases of individual bravery 
made the engagement brilliant. The action of Cap- 
tain Jack Curtis, in cutting his way out of the rebel 
lines, and rejoining the division was worthy of all 
praise. A small body of Kansas State Militia, and 
Captain Grover's Company Enrolled Missouri 
Militia, from Warrensburg, did excellent service. 
The troops engaged were, the 11th and 15th Kansas, 
the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry Battalion, under Captain 
Carpenter, which occupied the left of the 1st 
Brigade, and Companies "A" and "D," of the 16th, 
under Captains Ames and Kendall, who behaved 
like veterans. The entire objects sought in this 
movement to Lexington, had been successfully 



RE-UNION OF THE MILITIA. 89 

accompli shed. The enemy's force had been devel- 
oped ; his position, strength and location ascertained, 
for the first time since Price had left Pilot Knob. 
Our loss was small. An army of 28,000 had been 
in check for at least twenty-four hours, by a cav- 
alry column of 2,000. Through this stubborn 
resistance, an important gain in time was made. 
General Curtis was enabled to disseminate reliable 
information to his militia, thus re-uniting them, and 
producing harmony of spirit and action. At the 
same time, it enabled him to bring forward a con- 
siderable body of troops, who had been held back, 
and also to fully arrange and prepare his chosen 
lines. Tlie check was the most serious, when the 
advantage to be taken by General Rosecraus' troops, 
but thirty miles east of Price, was to be considered. 

The Division engaged by General Blunt was that 
of Joe Shelby. A characteristic story w\as after- 
wards told by a deserter to this effect, that consider- 
able disputing occurred among the rebel officers 
while in Lexington, as to w'ho commanded our troops 
in this engagement. Some declared that it could 
not be General Blunt, as he held no command. 
During the discussion Shelby is reported as 
saying : " Well, gentlemen, I've only one thing to 
say : it was either Blunt or the devil." 

Among the acts of coolness, is one given by 
Colonel Jennison in his published report : 

"The retrogade movement was conducted with 
"the utmost good order, notwithstanding thedifficul- 
1] 



90 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

"ties of tlie road and tlie darkness of tlie niglit, 
"during wliicli nothing of consequence was aban- 
"doned, and officers and men discharged their duties 
"with as much equanimity as though there was not 
"an army of 30,000 pressing closely upon their rear, 
"An incident to the credit of Lieutenant Murphy, 
"15th Kansas V. C, and Sergeant Patterson, 14th 
"Kansas V. C, attached to the battery, may be men- 
"tioned here : Owing to the darkness of the night • 
" and the inequalities of the road, an accident occurred 
"by which the limber of one of the howitzers was 
"broken, and before it could be repaired the entire 
"column had passed. Lieutenant Murphy and Ser- 
"geant Patterson remained with the piece, and 
"succeeded in bringing it away in the very fire of the 
"enemy's pressing columns." 

Colonel Moonlight records also the breaking of 
the tongue of a howitzer while covering the with- 
drawal, and the lashing of the same to another 
piece under a heavy fire of the enemy. 

After dark the command was marched leisurely 
towards Independence, bivouacking a few miles from 
the Little Blue, at 2 A. M. 

Dispatches were received at sunrise, directing the 
division to move to Independence, leaving a battalion 
to hold the bridge at Little Blue till the enemy 
appeared, and then burn it. General Blunt urged that 
the Little Blue be held as our next line of battle, 
confidently announcing our ability to hold the 
same. There is little doubt that if our militia force 



MOVEMENT TOWAEDS INDEPENDENCE. 91 

had been easily liaiidled and willing to move 
forward, tliat this plan would have heen advan- 
tageous, as in that way Pleasanton's cavalry would 
have closed up sooner on the rebel rear, and the 
fighting necessary on his part to regain Indepen- 
dence and cross the Big Blue have been avoided. 

As, however, the militia could not be moved for- 
ward, it was necessary that our lines on the Big 
Blue should be regarded as the main one. Another 
objection to the Little Blue was the character of 
that stream, which, being easily fordable, was con- 
sidered not of sufficient extent to warrant prominent 
movements. Colonel Moonlight, with the 11th 
Kansas, was left at the crossing of the Little Blue, 
and the 1st Brigade, with the balance of the 2d, 
moved into Independence. The bridge commanded 
the main road to Lexington. 

Had it been possible to have, at this time, extended 
our right by way of Lone Jack, and thus united 
with Rosecrans' left, throwing the main portion of 
the Army of the Border, with that of Missouri, on 

the east and south of Price, leaving sufficient to the 
west to check him temporarily, it is certain that we 
should have succeeded in bagging the prey, and 
bringing him to grief. The character of the main 
portion of our force precluded this. 



CHAPTER X. 



BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BLUE. 

As before stated, General Blunt moved to Inde- 
pendence on the 20tli, leaving Colonel Thos. Moon- 
liglit with ten companies of the llth Kansas Cav 
airy to resist the approach of the enemy as long as 
possible. Two companies of the 5th Kansas Cav- 
alry, under Captain Young, had been left on the 
State line to watch the guerillas, and Companies "A" 
and "D," of the 16th, which had been with the 2d 
Brigade at Lexington, were, on arrival at the Blue, 
ordered to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel 
Walker, commanding their regiment. This left 
Colonel Moonlight with about six hundred men, and 
the four twelve-pound mountain howitzers, attached 
to the 11th Kansas. 

As the stream was fordable at almost every point, 
it was no easy matter to hold the west bank. Major 
Martin Anderson, with two companies was stationed 



ADVAKCE OF THE ETCEMY. 93 

at tlie bridge, with directions to hold the same as 
long as possible, and burn it before retreating. Cap- 
tain Green, with Company "I," was stationed at a 
ford two miles south of the bridge, with instructions 
to hold the same. Captain Huntoon, with Company 
"H," was stationed at a ford four miles distant. Colo- 
nel Moonlight's Head-Quarters were in the vicinity 
of the bridge. Heavy pickets were thrown out on 
the Lexington Road, and every preparation made 
that the necessities demanded. Though the stream 
was shallow and easily forded, the heavy timber and 
broken ground, extending west for two miles, with 
advantages afforded by the fences, walls, <fec., ren- 
dered it peculiarly adapted to resisting an advance. 
A low range of hills run back from the stream, and, 
for the possession of these. Colonel Moonlight con- 
tested stubbornly every foot of ground. 

About 7 A. M., the enemy's advance *T\'as fairly 
developed, and a brisk firing opened. Informa- 
tion was immediately dispatched to head-quarters 
at Independence. It found the Generals actively 
engaged in preparing to move out the 1st Division 
(General Blunt's), to which a Fourth Brigade, under 
Colonel James H. Ford, consisting of the 2d Regi- 
ment Colorado Volunteer Cavalry, Major J. Nelson 
Smith ; the 16th Regiment Kansas Cavalry Volun- 
teers, Lieutenant-Colonel Sam Walker, and the 
Colorado Battery, Captain Mcl^ain, in all about nine 
hundred men, with six guns — had been added. 

Other preparations had been made — both to 



94 AKMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

resist the rebel advance, and to evacuate Independ- 
ence — a perfectly untenable position, easily flanked 
were the Little Blue once carried in force. Gen- 
eral Deitzler, Kansas State Militia, who commanded 
the 2d Division, was ordered to the Big Blue, and 
took general direction of the defensive preparations. 
The 4th, 12th and 19th Regiments, Kansas State 
Militia, Colonels McCain, Treat and Hogan, were 
relieved from duty under Ford, and sent to the same 
point. Captain McDowell (then Mayor of Leaven- 
worth) 19th Regiment, was, with his company, 
detailed as escort to the ammunition train, and did 
good service, supplying the troops engaged. 

At 10 A. M. (Colonel Moonlight having been for 
some time actively engaged) the 1st and 4th Brig- 
ades left Independence, and proceeded at a gallop to 
the scene of conflict. They reached it within the 
hour, a distance of eight miles. 

Here they found Colonel Moonlight had fallen 
back, fighting stubbornly for over two miles. 
"When the engagement opened, the rebel advance 
Division, under General Shelby, moved on the main 
road. Major Anderson set fire to the bridge, and 
held it until fairly burning. He then fell back to 
the hills, where the balance of the regiment was 
already in position. Captain Green also returned 
to the main command. The rebels had deployed to 
the left of the road, and were fairly swarming across 
the stream, compelling the abandonment of Green's 
position, without possibility of resistance on his part. 



ARRIVAL OF GENERAL BLtTNT. 95 

Colonel Moonliglit immediately opened on the 
enemy with his howitzers. The west bank of the 
stream was fairly in their hands, they having 
succeeded in putting out the fire at the bridge, so as 
to cross it with their artillery. Without hesitation, 
and with no other thought than to contest every 
foot, the gallant 11th, with enthusiastic shouts, 
swung earnestly to their work. 

The rapid deployment and overwhelming strength 
of the enemy, who moreover were all mounted, soon 
placed our small force in danger of being flanked 
and surrounded. Colonel Moonlight's instructions 
had been fully obeyed, and the objects for which he 
had been left being accomplished, he commenced a 
slow retrogade movement, taking advantage of every 
fence and wall to check the rebel onset by deadly 
volleys of small arms and rapid canister firing. 
Every man dismounted, and horses were led to the 
rear. From some of the walls and fences in our 
front, behind which the enemy had ensconced them- 
selves and were sending a destructive fire into our 
thin ranks, they were, by a daring movement, 
dislodged and driven back in confusion. 

At this time General Blunt arrived on the field, 
and assumed command. A new line of battle was 
formed. The 11th took the left; the 16th Kansas 
on its right ; McLain's Battery, the centre ; the 2nd 
Colorado on the right of it ; with the 1st Brigade in 
line on the extreme right ; the 3rd Wisconsin, under 
Lieutenant J. B. Pond, and the 15th Kansas, under 



96 AEMY OF TIIE BOEDER. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, in order, eacli to tlie riglit of 
the other. 

Dismounting, we advanced immediately into the 
timber, becoming actively engaged with the rebel 
army. Our whole line of battle thus formed did 
not exceed 2,500. General Curtis, accompanied by 
Major Chariot, his Adjutant; Captain Meeker, 
Lieutenants Hubbard and Quimby, of the Signal 
Corps ; General J. H. Lane, and Colonels Crawford 
and Kitchie, arrived upon the ground. Major E. H. 
Hunt, 15th Cavalry, Chief of Artillery, had preceded 
them, in charge of Company "G," 11th Kansas, 
Captain Gove (Escort to General Curtis), and four 
howitzers, and immediately went to the front and 
centre, placing McLain's battery in position to check 
the rebel advance across a deep ra^dne, seven 
hundred yards to our front. The place thus desig- 
nated was in immediate range of a four-gun battery. 
The Colorado boys unlimbered with great rapidity, 
and getting in battery, commenced showing the 
quality of their metal. Their firing was quick and 
accurate, and in a very few minutes, "Johnny Rebs" 
were glad to get out of that ; three guns being with- 
drawn and one abandoned, though afterwards recov- 
ered by the enemy. Prisoners declared that the fire 
of our guns was so destructive as to wound nearly 
every horse, and compel the men to run the guns off 
by hand, with a considerable loss in killed and 
wounded. The firing against the rebel guns was 
directed by 1st Lieutenant G. S. Eayre, commanding 



DEATH OF MAJOK J. N. SMITH. 97 

right section. Tlie left and centre were directed 
against a heavy dismounted force, wliicli was 
advancing upon our left. After ten minutes rapid 
firing, by direction of General Curtis, the battery 
fell back, their position being too exposed. One 
man was wounded and one horse killed. In the 
meantime Major Hunt had gallantly taken position 
in an open field, four hundred yards in advance, with 
the Body Guard and four howitzers, under Captain 
Johnson, lltli Kansas, and Lieutenant Gill, 15th 
Kansas. Finding this position much exposed to 
sharpshooters, he moved, supported on the right by 
the 2d Colorado, under Major Smith, to the shelter 
of some farm buildings, and opened with canister 
and spherical case, with damage to the enemy. 
The timber was filled with sharpshooters. It is 
reported by prisoners, that these were generally 
bushwhackers, who had reported to Price at Lexing- 
ton. They knew every foot of ground over which 
Ave were fio-htinci;, and were all excellent marksmen. 

Among those who fell at this point of the contest, 
was the gallant Major J. Nelson Smith, 2nd Colo- 
rado, who, while encouraging his men, under a heavy 
fire and against these great odds, was shot through the 
heart. His body was brought from the field by the 
men, though most of our dead and AA^ounded had to 
be left to rebel care. 

On our left, Colonel Moonlight, hardly pressed, 
and with failino; ammunition, had held his own most 
stubbornly, as did Colonel Jennison, on our right, 
12 



98 AEMY OF THE BOEBEB. 

thoiigli at last tlie 1st Brigade was pressed back by 
overwhelming numbers. For some time then, the 
11th, being out of ammunition, was held in line, the 
men cheering lustily, and occasionally breaking into 
the stirring refrain of 

" Eally round the flag, boys." 

As Colonel Moonlight fell back, he was requested 
by Major Hunt to support his howitzers. This was 
promptly acceded to, though the command depended 
only upon their revolvers and sabres. The enemy, 
as then deployed, outnumbered our force ten to one. 
Captain Huntoon, with Company " H," of the 10th, 
had just joined his command. This gallant officer 
held his position at the ford, where he was first sta- 
tioned, against a large force, though the volleying 
musketiy, retreating sound of the howitzers, and 
advancing and increasing shrill scream and report of 
rifled ordnance told him that we were falling back, 
and the enemy advancing on his left. 

The 1st Brigade, Colonel Jennison, had been 
actively engaged. The men were dismounted. Here 
the firing was rapid and spirited during the whole 
engagement. The battle raged along the right with 
the same varying success which attended the day 
elsewhere. Before this overwhelming force, our 
small command could do no more than slowly fall 
back. The enemy brought up a number of rifled 
guns, and the firing was heavy, though mainly ill- 
directed, doing damage to detachments at our rear. 



FAILUEE OF AMMUNITION. 99 

Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt distinguished himself 
greatly at several periods of the battle, leading his 
men, when opportunities occurred, to dislodge or 
punish the foe. The small battalion of Wisconsin 
Volunteers won warm encomiums. Lieut. Dixon, 
Company " M," fell severely wounded, at the head 
of his command. Lieutenant W. H. Bisbee, Com- 
pany " E," Acting Regimental Adjutant, 15th Kan- 
sas, was wounded in the left shoulder, but remained 
on the field throughout the engagement, though sev- 
eral times urged to retire. 

Our entire line had now fallen back to a position 
about a half mile west of the one where McLain 
opened. Here his battery was again placed in posi- 
tion to the left of the road, and directed to shell the 
woods at the front and right, through which the 
rebels were then advancing. Our fire had a good 
effect, as it checked this movement for the time 
being. Again the battery fell back, going into posi- 
tion under the direction of General Curtis, at several 
points where the angles of the road afforded open- 
ings for checking the rebels' forward movement. 

Orders had been given to withdraw and mount. 
Colonel Moonlight's command, being out of ammu- 
nition, accomplished this with great difficulty, hav- 
ing to do so in face of the enemy, giving up to them 
a long line of stone wall, of which cover they availed 
themselves to open a galling fire. Colonel Walker, 
with the 16th, covered their withdrawal with a brisk 
flank fire, under dii'ection of Colonel Moonlights 



100 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

This looked like tke turning point for our left. 
Exhausted and worn out, without ammunition, it 
seemed at one time hardly possible to prevent the 
withdrawal from becoming fatal. Yet it was done. 
The ammunition train, by some error, had been 
ordered towards Independence, near which Colonel 
Moonlight afterwards found it and replenished his 
cartridge boxes. General Blunt, with the members 
of his staff, was every where at the front, encourag- 
ing and directing the movements. Cheering the 
men with tlie tenacity so characteristic of this officer, 
and with usual seemingly reckless, but cool audacity, 
exposing himself to the storm of bullets, he was the 
animating spirit of the battle. His presence was 
inspiring, and as the men regarded him, they ceased 
to heed the whistling shot and screaming shell, 
which fell and exploded all about them. 

Colonel T. J. Burris, Volunteer Aid-de-Camp, with 
Major Penny, were most conspicuously useful. The 
Colonel, an old and tried soldier, seemed ubiquitous, 
and was to be found every where, with cool and cal- 
culating manner, noting every thing that occurred, 
and directing the operations under the General's 
orders. He was sent to find and halt the ammuni- 
tion train, which he did a short distance to the east 
of Independence. All the staff officers were active 
in the deployment of troops and the conveyance of 
orders. Not one failed to display the spirit befitting 
the occasion. Time was what we were fighting for, 
and gallantly was that object won. 



EETREAT TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE. 101 

Another position was taken about two miles from 
Independence ; McLain going into battery to the 
right of the road. The ground was open to the 
front and right of our guns, while to the left, was a 
heavy body of timber. Through this, our troops 
were falling back. The enemy developed heavy 
lines at this point. The volleying musketry was 
almost incessant. General Blunt superintended the 
placing of the guns, and as soon as our troops had 
fallen back sufficiently, directed them to open on the 
timber. This was done with telling effect, with can- 
ister and case shot. The howitzers v/ell advanced, 
were also brought into play ; in a few minutes the 
rebel musketry fire slackened, and then ceased. A 
charge was ordered and gallantly executed, the 
rebels being driven back from our left and front ; 
the timl)er was cleared, and the battery, with the 
11th Kansas, enabled to pass to the rear successfully. 

The 4tli Brigade received orders to cover the 
retreat towards Independence. This was done by 
forming one half om' line across the road, resisting 
until too hardly pressed, when this advance was 
withdrawn to the rear of a second line, which had 
in the meanwhile been formed in rear of the first. 
In this way the enemy's advance was hotly contested 
up to the very outskirts of the town. Throughout 
the whole engagement. Major Hunt, with his 
howitzers, was at the extreme front of our lines. 
Lieutenant Gill, under his direction, did great- 
execution. 



102 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Here a last line of battle had been formed, the 

guns placed in position, and the division deployed. 

nearly all of our militia force, supplies, etc., had 
been removed to the Big Blue. General Curtis 

had been actively engaged in directing the evacua- 
tion. . General Lane and Colonel Crawford of the 
Volunteer staff, remained on the field, having 
reported to General Blunt. 

The last line of battle being thus formed on the 
outskirts of the town, the formidable advantages 
accruing to ns from the possession of the walls, 
fences, houses, etc., as w^ell as from the bloody pun- 
ishment already given them, made the enemy 
temporarily stay their movement. Advantage was 
immediately taken to withdraw all but the 16th 
Kansas, through the town, towards the Big Blue. 
The 11th Kansas was to relieve the 16th, so soon as 
supplied with cartridges. The conduct of the 16th, 
with its gallant commanders. Colonel Walker and 
Major Ketner, was such under this fiery ordeal as to 
win the highest praise. Being heavily' pressed, it 
fell back to the 2d Colorado, by which it was 
supported. Its ammunition became exhausted, yet 
it received the rebel fire without flinching, falling 
slowly bact, as if on battalion drill, until in the 
town, when it was relieved by the 11th, who covered 
the retreat through the streets unto the raih'oad 
bridge on the east, when, it being then quite dark, 
the enemy ceased pursuit. 



SEVERE LOSSES OF OUR TROOPS. 103 

The battle had lasted for eight hours. For the 
first three the enemy were held at hay by less than 
six hundred men. For the remainino; five, 3,000 
men fought over six miles of ground, against an 
enemy increasing in numbers, until the three divisions 
of Price's army were developed, thus outnumbering 
us ten to one. The great advantage gained to our 
arms, and one wdiich materially insured our subse- 
quent victories, was the delay thus made. The 
cavalry of General Pleasanton was thus brought 
within striking distance. Besides, the punishment 
given the rebels in some sort compensated our loss. 
Prisoners taken afterwards reported the rebel loss, 
killed and wounded, at not less than five hundred. 

General . Blunt estimated our loss in killed, 
wounded and missing, as about two hundred. Of 
this the 2d Brigade lost one half. The Fourth also 
suffered heavily ; Colonel Ford estimating his loss at 
sixty. The 1st Brigade sufi^ered the least. Lieuten- 
ant Gill, of the howitzer battery, had fifteen horses 
killed ; he fired the last shots on the retreat. 

Quite a number of oflicers were wounded. Cap- 
tain N. I. Gregg, Company " M," received a severe 
gun-shot wound in the right arm, which resulted in 
a permanent disability. Francis J. Gould, Esq., 
acting as Volunteer Aid to Colonel Ford, was mor- 
tally wounded. Lieutenant Spencer, 2d Colorado, 
was severely wounded in the foot. Other oflicers 
were injured. 



104 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

Many notewortliy and striking incidents occnrred 
during the day. Towards tlie close of the fighting, 
General Curtis received a telegram from the War 
Department, announcing Sheridan's splendid victory 
at Fisher's Hill, Va., with the capture of forty guns, 
and a large number of prisoners. This was read by 
the General to the volunteers and militia, at Inde- 
pendence, by whom it was welcoi^ed with enthusi- 
astic cheers for the Nation, and as an augury of the 
success ultimately to crown the campaign on the 
Union's right flank, in which they were now 
en2;a2:ed. 

An incident occurred which showed the malevo- 
lent and treacherous character of that smouldering 
rebel sentiment, that in Missouri festered beneath a 
sullen submission. The 2d Colorado had for many 
months been stationed at Independence. Its officers 
were humane men, mainly conservative in their ten- 
dencies. They had, however, severely punished the 
bushwhackers and their harborers. AVhile the regi- 
ment was passing through the town, some cowardly 
hand, and that a w^oman's, fired from a window, 
wounding a Lieutenant. The family residing in that 
house had long enjoyed the protection of tlie regi- 
ment. The dastardly act was sufifered to go unpun- 
ished, the exigency rendering a halt impossible. 
Others of the citizens appeared on the streets to 
scoff at our retiring troops, and welcome their con- 
genial traitors. 



DEATH OF TODD THE GUERRILLA. 105 

George Todd, a notorious guerrilla of Jackson 
county, was shot in tins battle — it is believed by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, of the 15th Kansas. He 
was the leader of the " Sam (xaty" Massacre, in 
1863, when a number of contrabands were taken 
and murdered in cold blood. He was also Quant- 
rille's second in command, at the terrible butcheries 
of Lawrence and Baxter Springs, in August and 
October of the same year. 

It was long after dark when our exhausted troops 
reached the Big Blue. Many of the troops were 
without subsistence for several days, owing to the 
trains being sent to Kansas City. 



CHAPTER XI. 

MAECH OF EOSECEATS'S' CAVALEY FEOM JEFFEESON CITY 
TO INDEPENDENCE. 

Leavinq the Kansas Volunteers and Militia en- 
camped upon tlie west bank of the Big Blue, anx- 
iously awaiting the dawn of the 22d, we turn 
towards the forces of General Rosecrans, and mark 
their progress in the rear of the Rebel army. 

After that army was withdrawn from Jefferson 
City, October 8th, Brigadier-Greneral John B. San- 
born was ordered by Major-General Alfred Pleasan- 
ton, who had arrived and assumed command on the 
6th, to take command of the cavalry there concen- 
trated as a corps of observation, and follow the 
enemy. 

This force consisted of regiments and detachments 
as follows: First, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, '7th, 8th and 
9th Regiments Missouri State Militia ; 6th and 'Tth 
Provisional Enrolled Militia Regiments ; 2d Arkan- 
sas Cavalry ; 1st Iowa (Veteran) Cavalry, and l7th 
Illinois Cavalry ; Battery " H," 2d Missouri Light 



OKGANIZATIOlSr OF BRIGADES. 107 

Artillery, and one section of " L" Battery, same 
regiments ; the guns under Captain Thurber. The 
force numbered four thousand one hundred effective 
men, with eight guns, and was at once organized into 
the following brigades : 

First Brigade, consisting of the 1st, 4th and Yth 
M. S. M. Cavalry, and the 1st Iowa Cavalry, under 
command of Colonel John T. Phillips of the 7th 
M. S. M. 

Second Brigade, consisting of the 3rd, 5th and 
9th M. S. M. Cavalry, and the l7th Illinois, with a 
battery of mountain howitzers, under command of 
Colonel Beveridge, of the I7th Illinois Cavalry. 

Third Brigade, consisting of detachments of the 
6th and 8th M. S. M. Cavalry, 6th and 7th Provi- 
sional E. M. M. and the 2d Arkansas Cavalry, under 
command of Colonel J. J. Gravelly, of the 8th M. 
S. M. Cavalry. 

In addition to this force. General Rosecrans was 
concentrating a force under Major-General A. J. 
Smith, consisting of 4,500 veteran infantry, belong- 
ing to the l7th Army Corps ; the 136th, 134th, 
135th, 136th, 139th, 140th and 142d Illinois Volun- 
unteers (100 days' regiments) ; the 14th Iowa; the 
47th Missouri Infantry (Colonel Fletcher's) ; and the 
1st, 2d, 3rd, 4th 10th, 11th, 13th, 80th and 85th 
Regiments Enrolled Missouri Militia, and the Na- 
tional Guard of St. Louis. The latter were not 
taken to the field. This division numbered nearly 



108 AKMY OF THE BOEDEK. 

10,000 effective men. It was moved to Jefferson 
City, and immediately thereon marched westward. 

General Sanborn moved on the 8th. Colonel 
Phillips marched towards Versailles and AVarsaw, 
upon the Springfield road. The brigades of Colonel 
Beveridge and Colonel Gravelly, moved along the 
line of railroad towards California and Tipton. 
Phillips reported the enemy in a strong position at 
the crossing of the Moreau. Colonel Gravelly, with 
one section, was ordered from the California road, to 
reinforce Phillips. The enemy, in the meanwhile, 
evacuated their position, with some loss in killed and 
wounded, and seventy horses. 

Colonels Phillips and Gravelly bivouacked near 
the Moreau that night ; the 2d Brigade, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Beveridge, on Gray's Creek, ten miles 
west of Jefferson. 

On the 9th, the division moved towards Versailles 
on the Springfield road. The 3rd Brigade, which 
had moved in direct pursuit, soon became engaged. 
The 2d advanced to its support. The armies were 
then passing through heavily timbered country east 
of Russellville. The 3rd Brigade was dismounted to 
act as ' skirmishers of the division. The nature of 
the ground admitted of sharp resistance. A charge 
was made through the rebel skirmish line, and their 
rear guard reserve attacked by Lieutenant B. B. 
Biggs, Company " K," 6th M. S. M., who fell in its 
execution. The enemy moved raj)idly through Rus- 
Bellville, leaving their dead andwounded in our hands. 



ENGAGEMENT AT CALIFOENIA. 109 

The road was clear to the open prairie, where the 
rebel column and train could he seen. Being within 
range, our guns opened on them. They continued 
to move forward to Versailles, passing all roads 
turning towards the right to California, except that 
of High Point. 

Believing the enemy would move by this to Boone- 
ville, General Sanborn determined to take the short- 
est route to California, hoping to strike their right, 
and also by a night march to move past their flank, 
and reach Warsaw before the enemy. 

At 5 P. M., the column reached California, but 
found a large rebel force already there ; a portion 
busy in tearing up the railroad, and the remainder 
in line of battle, awaiting our approach. Colonel 
Phillips' Brigade formed in close column of 
squadrons, in rear of crest-ridge running east and 
west. It dismounted, the right extending to the 
road in which our troops were marching, and the 
left south-westerly to the High Point Boad. Our 
artillery opened immediately. Three squadrons of 
the 1st Iowa Cavalry were sent to the left to watch 
that flank. The other brigades, excepting two 
regiments, were held in reserve. Our lines then 
advanced rapidly, and a brief, but vigorous engage- 
ment ensued. As the left entered the town, the 
enemy retired, leaving five dead in our hands. Our 
loss was one wounded. We bivouacked for the 
night, it being quite dark when the firing ceased. 



110 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

The main rebel force camped on the Monteau, 
and at daylight moved out on the Booneville road. 
Shelby's Division occupied Booneville that night. 
This body of troops constituted the advance of 
Price's army during its westward march. The larger 
number were originally from the counties through 
which he passed. 

On the 10th General Sanborn started at daylight, 
inarched all day, bivouacking at night nine miles 
from Booneville. General Fagan was reported 
moving that afternoon into the town. 

Early on the 11th we demonstrated on tbe various 
roads leading to Booneville. The 6th Provisional 
Regiment, E. M. M., Lieutenant-Colonel McMahon, 
was ordered to take the Pisgah. and California road. 
Colonel Gravelley moved on the Tipton Road. 
Colonel Eppstien with the 5tli M. S. M. was sent 
west to the Georgetown Road, advancing till he 
reached the enemy's pickets, and found whether they 
had moved west. 

The 2d Arkansas encountered the rebel pickets on 
the Tipton road, three miles from town. They were 
driven in a spirited manner. The rebel skirmisli 
line extended for two miles. The 6tli Regiment E. 
M. M. joined the 2d Arkansas. Lieutenant Gideon, 
Company " H " of this regiment, advanced into the 
outskirts of the town, driving the enemy. Artillery 
was opened by the rebels. Our line withdrew a 
sbort distance, and again advanced. A dispatch, 
from Colonel Eppstein announced that the enemy 



THE SEVENTH KANSAS. Ill 

had not moved west. Our forces then retired to the 
south side of the Petit Saline. Our loss was three 
killed and twelve wounded. The enemy's is known 
to have keen fifteen killed and twenty-eight severely 
wounded, besides others who could be moved. 

On the 12th the division was moved back to 
California, where four days rations having been 
obtained, it again moved on the 13th. Here it was 
reinforced by a brigade of veteran cavalry, under 
Colonel Catherwood, 13th Missouri. It numbered 
1,500 eifective men, and consisted of the 13th Mis- 
souri, the 'Tth Kansas Cavalry, under Major Malone, 
and a detachment of the 2d Missouri Cavalry, 
imder Captain Huston. At 10 A.M. the division 
resumed its position in front of Booneville. A 
reconnoissance by Captain Turley, 7th Kansas, shewed 
the enemy moving west, crossing the Lamine river at 
Dug and Scott fords. 

From General Sanborn's published report to 
General Pleasanton, the following is given, which 
tersely and clearly states the position of the forces 
under his command, immediately anterior to General 
Blunt' s engagement at Lexington. General Sanborn 
says : 

" My apprehension was that the enemy would move hy 
rapid marches to Lexington and into Kansas, and thereby 
prevent the organization and concentration of the troops of 
that Department on the border against him, and at the 
same time place so great a distance between his army and 
the infantry and cavalry of this Department, then moving 
to the front in support of my command, that it would be 
impossible for them to join me if I should follow him, and 



112 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

thereby avoid a battle with the large number of troops 
then being marshalled for that purpose, or with any com- 
mand larger than my own. 

" Hence, all my movements, after the enemy left Boone- 
ville, M-ere made with the view of holding the enemy in or 
near Saline county, until the Kansas troops were organized 
and on the border, and Winslow's Brigade of Cavalry and 
General A. J. Smith's command of infantry and artillery 
should be within striking distance. I therefore moved my 
command, with the exception of a small force under 
Captain Turley, which was ordered to follow the enemy's 
trail, by Neb's Church, through Georgetown, up the 
Georgetown and Lexington Road to Cook's store, arriving 
at this point at three P.M. on the 15th day of October, with 
the view of resisting the advance of the enemy and attack- 
ing his flanks if he should advance immediately. After 
the first day's march from Booneville, the enemy moved 
slowly, portions of his command halting a short time near 
Marshall, Arrow Rock and Waverly, Detachments from 
my command reconnoitered the position and movements of 
the enemy daily. On the iTth day of October some move- 
ments were reported that indicated a design on the part of 
the enemy to move south-east through Marshall, and his 
advance not having appeared at Dover, I moved south to 
the Black Water, to be in a better position to strike the 
enemy if he should move in that direction. Subsistence 
supplies had also been exhausted for two days, and it was 
absolutely necessary to get a train from Sedalia. 

" Immediately upon my command moving south to the 
Black Water, the enemy commenced moving west rapidly. 

'' Subsistence was obtained and issued on the 19th day 
of October, and on this day I received the first dispatch 
from General Blunt, giving the force and position of the 
troops from Kansas, and indicating a state of readiness on 
the part of General Curtis and himself. On the same day 
I received information from your head-quarters of the 
arrival of Winslow's Brigade of Cavalry and General 
Smith's Corps at Sedalia, and your order re-organizing the 
cavalry and taking immediate command, 

" I sent a dispatch to MajorGeneral Blunt immediately 
upon receiving his dispatch, informing him of the position 
of the enemy, and of all our forces and intended movements, 
and having on this day, by order of the General command- 



GENERAL SAKBOKn's MOVEMENTS. IIS 

ing, moved the 1st Brigade to Booneville and the 2d Brigade 
toKirkpatrick's Mills, I moved with the third Brigade to 
Cook's Store and halted. 

" At 3 P.M. I received a dispatch from Major-General 
Blunt, then in Lexington, and sent one immediately in 
return. 

" I ordered Colonel John E, Phelps, 2d Arkansas Cav- 
alry to move forward on the Dover road at midnight, till 
he should strike the main body of the enemy or reach the 
Missouri river. 

" At 3 A.M. a dispatch from him announced that the 
rebel army had been moving through Dover West during 
the afternoon and evening of the 19th, and that cannonad- 
ing was heard late in the evening in the direction of 
Lexino-ton — adding that he would, move forward and 
attack the lorce remaining at Dover. 

"■ This information was immediately communicated to 
the General commanding, and the entire force at once 
commenced advancing. 

'■' I sent dispatches to General Blunt on the evening of 
the 19th, and again on the morning of the 20th. None of 
these dispatches reached him, and I consider it the most 
unfortunate thing of the campaign that he did not know 
our position and plan at this time." 

An obvious criticism on General Sanborn's move- 
ments, is, that he was compelled to lose valuable time 
in obtaining supplies ; an accident which, the coun- 
try east of his marcli being in our hands, should not 
have been allowed. It would appear also, that from 
live to six thousand well appointed cavalry should 
have more successfully impeded the enemy's move- 
ments. General Blunt, at Lexington, wdth two 
thousand men, fought the rebel advance for six, and 
liindred their movements for twent3-four hours. 
Again at the Little Blue, with three thousand, Gen- 
erals Curtis and Blunt, obstinately resisted them one 

14 



114 AEMY OF THE BOEDEK. 

day, and by this means enabled Pleasanton to attack 
tbem at Independence. 

On the 19th, General Pleasanton arrived at Dunks- 
burg, and assumed command. It was re-organized 
into four brigades ; the 1st, under Brigadier-General 
Sanborn ; the 2d, under Brigadier General Brown, 
and the 3rd, under Brigadier General John McNeil ; 
the 4th, Col. Winslow, consisting of veteran cavalry, 
belonging to the l7th Army Corps; At this time. 
Gen. Rosecrans was at Sedalia. General Smith, with 
the Infantry, moved on the 19th towards Lexington. 

At 2 P. M. of the 19th, our troops moved in the 
same direction. General McNeil being in advance, 
camped that night ten miles from that place. Being 
ordered to occupy the town, General McNeil moved, 
and at midnio;ht entered Lexino;ton. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Eppstein, with the 5th M. S. M., being in 
advance^ were fired upon by two separate parties 
in the suburbs of the town. Seven were captured. 
The city was evacuated by the rebels, and the 
brigade bivouacked in the streets. The command 
had marched twenty-four hours without forage — 
none was found in the place — and at day -break . 
McNeil moved via Waverly to Fire Prairie, where 
he again bivouacked without forage or food. 

On the 22d, at 5 A. M., the division moved to the 
crossing of the Little Blue. The bridge was found 
destroyed, and the ford impracticable for artillery. 
General McNeil still led the column. A temporary 
bridge was hastily constructed under the direction 



MCNEIL CAPTURES INDEPENDENCE. 115 

of General Pleasanton, and tlie artillery and train 
passed. General McNeil, with a part of his brigade, 
moved rapidly, forward, attacking the rebel rear 
guard, consisting of two brigades of Arkansians, 
Major-General Fagan's Division, w^hich held the 
eastern approaches to Independence. McNeil de- 
ployed and steadily pressed forward, driving Fagan 
from each position for several miles, though the 
enemy were supported by a well-directed fire from 
Parrott g-uns. General Sanborn was sent to McNeil's 
support. The skirmishing was severe. A charge 
being ordered, General McNeil mounted his regi- 
ments as they came up, ordering Colonel Cather- 
wood, with the 13th Missouri, to fall upon the rebel 
rear with the sabre. The order was brilliantly 
executed. Forming in close column of companies, 
Catherwood, supported by the Veteran 7th Kansas, 
Major Malone, and the 17th Illinois, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Beveridge, charged through the streets, 
capturing a number of prisoners, killing and wound- 
ing many, and taking two Parrott guns, formerly 
belonging to the 2d Kegiment Missouri Light Artil- 
lery, which were captured at Pleasant Hill, La., by 
General Dick Taylor. About forty of the Kansas 
wounded, left on the field the day before were found 
in Hospital. Colonel Phelps, of the 2d Arkansas, 
participated in this charge, leading his regiment on 
our right and to the left of the enemy's position. He 
captured a staff ofiicer of General Cabell, with that 
officer's sword. It is reported that one time General 



116 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

Marmaduke himself, was within our advanced lines, 
but escaped. The rebel line gave way, falling back 
to Sponge creek, where they re-formed on the west- 
ern bank. General Sanborn immediately moved by 
a circuitous route for the purpose of turning their 
position, but Colonel Winslow's Brigade had already 
driven them back, and continued fighting them 
towards the Big Blue, though it was then dark. 

General McNeil moved out at midnight, under 
orders to march to the junction of the Independence 
and Hickman's Mills, on Santa Fe road. The 3rd 
M. S. M., Lieutenant-Colonel Mathews, being left at 
Independence, as Provost Guard. 

The following rebel officers, were captured in this 
gallant action of General McNeil. Several were 
taken near Lexington : 

Colonel W. D. Baber, 45th Arkansas ; Lieutenant 
F. Curtis, of M. Jeff. Thompson's Staff; Major H. 
Carrolton, Inspector General Slemmon's Brigade ; 
Captain F. Davidson, 10th Mo. S. G. ; Lieutenant 
A. W. Smitii, Coffey's Kegiment ; Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Young (since dead), and Lieutenant J. Kinder, 
Lowther's ; Captain H. W. Leumox and Lieutenant 
S. B. Hickough, Crabtree's ; Major William Cook, 
Freeman's Brigade Staff; Captain Wm. M. Morri- 
son and Lieutenant P. M. Little, Gordon's ; Lieuten- 
ant T. H. Morwin and Lieutenant M. C. Thornburn, 
1st Arkansas ; Captain J. B. Moore, Slayback's . 
Lieutenant AV. B. Walker, Elliott's ; Adjutant Wm. 
A. Redd and Lieutenant J. S. Plattenberg, Good- 



MOVEMENT TO THE BIG BLUE. 117 

win's. Colonel Young was a former resident of 
Jackson County, Missouri, and an active bush- 
whacker in '61-62. 

The treatment of our wounded left at Lexington 
and Independence, by the rebels, was not such as to 
materially improve the reputation for chivalry of 
which they boast so hugely. An instance of this 
was seen in the case of James Thomas, Company 
"C," nth Kansas Cavalry, left severely wounded in 
the outskirts of Lexington. He was unable to move, 
and after being stripped naked, was ridden over 
several times by the rebels, and otherwise injured, 
while not one offered to aid him. He remained thus 
exposed, until found by General A. J. Smith, on 
occupying the town, who had him carefully attended. 

At night, on the 22d, General McNeil occupied a 
position upon the road from Independence, leading 
south-west. Colonel AVinshnv was in advance, west 
on the road to Byrom's Ford. The balance of the 
command of General Pleasantou in the rear, ready 
to move at peep of day. General Kosecrans was at 
Lexington, with General Smith. General Curtis 
had fallen back to Westport and Kansas City. The 
main rebel army was concentrated on the Blue, west 
and south of Westport. 

No communication had yet been had with General 
Pleasanton, since the failure of Sanborn's messengers 
to reach Blunt before the battle of Lexington. The 
first intelligence was received at sundown by a vol- 
unteer scout, Daniel W. Boutwell, 2d Regiment K. 



118 ARMY OF TIIE BOEDER. 

S. M., who on the night of the 21st, started to obtain 
information. Boutwell was formerly a member of 
the 6th Kansas Cavalry, but had been discharged. 
We give the story as told by himself: 

" He received his instructions from General Deitzler, and 
without papers or arms, dressed in the army uniform, left 
the General's Head-quarters on the Blue, about T o'clock 
at night and rode to Kansas city. Leaving his horse there 
he took a skiif and started down the river, but had not pro- 
ceeded but a few miles, wlien his boat stuck on a bar and 
lie was compelled to abandon it. He made his way to the 
shore the best way he could, and now found that he had 
reached the rebel lines and was lired upon by the pickets, 
the ball passing but a few inches from him. Carefully 
concealing himself in the brush, he moved stealthily along 
and passed the pickets. From this point, he went above 
the lower ford of the Eig Blue, which Avas held by the 
rebels, and finding the mud very deep, threw in rails and 
lying down attempted the passage. About half way over 
lie slipped otf the rails and was immersed in mud, thin 
and slimy, three or four feet deep. By dint of hard work 
and perseverance, he succeeded in reaching the other side, 
and passed on by Independence, carefully avoiding roads, 
pickets and guards. About daylight, for miles below Inde- 
pendence, he came within sight of the rear of Price's 
army, five thousand strong, left to oppose Pleasanton. 

Passing to the left of this, he had proceeded but a few 
miles through the timber, when he was ordered to halt, 
and turning, saw three men with guns drawn on him. 
They beckoned for him to come up, ajid asked who he was. 
He replied, that he supposed he was their prisoner. They 
examined his uniform and wished to know if he was a 
federal soldier. He replied, that he was, and much to his 
surprise was told he was " all right then." 

These three men proved to be George Smiley, and two 
other members of the Kush Bottom Company of Missouri 
State Militia, who had been cut oft' from tlieir command 
the day before, in the fight with Blunt at the Little Blue, 
and had not been able to get out of the rebel lines. One 
of these guided our hero on through the country four or 
five miles and took him to a house, where he was furnished 



PLEAS ANTOK PEESSES FORWARD. 119 

breakfast. A short time after he left this man, he came 
within sight of the rebel pickets, and evading them passed 
to one side, one of the rebel pickets coming within twenty 
yards of him. When nearly opposite them, Pleasanton's 
pickets commenced firing upon the rebels. After the tiring 
had ceased, Boutwell went up to the road, but seeing no 
one, and the tracks showing the federals had advanced, he 
proceeded towards the main army. He had travelled 
about a mile, when he met a soldier who conducted him to 
the General's Head-quarters, at the ford of the Little Blue. 
The army was moving slowly along, intending to camp 
soon for the day. Boutwell was introduced tu the pres- 
ence of Generals Pleasanton, McXeil and Sanborn. 

" Boutwell asked the Generals if they ' would receive a 
verbal message from a muddy man.' Pleasanton replied 
that he would, and he proceeded to deliver his message. 
The General examined, re-examined and cross-examined 
his informant, until fully satistied of the correctness of his 
statements, and said that he had been ready to attack for 
several days, and not having heard any thing from above, 
and realizing that it was slow business to organize militia, 
feared that they were not ready for him to move." 

U2:)on the information brought by Boutwell, 
General Pleasanton determined to press forward 
energetically. The engagement at Independence 
followed. Messengers were sent to General Curtis, 
who reached him at sundown. 



* > Yn{xi\\\\'^r^ 




AND 

BIGBLPE 

OCT. 2.S 8. ZS 
IS £ A 



CHAPTER XII. 



BATTLES ON THE BIG BLUE AND STATE LIKE. 

The entire force under General Curtis rested on the 
night of the 21st, upon the west bank of the Big 
Blue, the main body at and adjacent to the road 
leading from Independence and Kansas City. Pur- 
suant to order, General Deitzler retired to this point 
during the forenoon of the 21st, from Independence. 
He found Colonel Blair, with a considerable force of 
militia, two sections of the 9th Battery Wisconsin 
Volunteers, under Captain Dodge and Lieutenant 
Hicks, and a section of the 2d Kansas Battery. A 
great deal of work had been done to render this very 
strong position more defensible. The east bank was 
open country to the front and right, while the west 
bank rose abruptly as precipitous bluffs, well covered 
with timber and brush, quite difficult of access, and 
makes a defile for the road to pass through. South 
of the road the timber was dense — ground broken. 
North of the roa-d, were open fields sloping moder- 



POSITION OF TROOPS. 123 

ately to within twelve or fifteen feet of tlie stream. 
The roads from fords crossing the Blue, all converged 
to Westport and Kansas City. North of the main 
ford, was one other at the mouth, three miles above. 
Here a small steamboat was stationed, as also a bat- 
talion of the 19th Kansas State Militia, Col, Hogan, 
two hundred and fifty strong. The 4th and 19th 
had reported to Colonel Blair, Commanding 3rd 
Brigade, 1st Division, by order of General Deitzler. 

Every thing being in readiness for the expected 
emergency, transportation was all sent back to Kan- 
sas City. At that point and Wyandotte, by direc- 
tion of Colonel Weir, 23rd Regiment K. S. M., 
alarm guns were fired at midnight, and the militia 
aroused. A considerable body of colored troops 
moved during the night, as did the 10th and 23rd 
Reo;iments, also militia and volunteers from Kansas 
City. 

The main line, our left and centre, extended for 
six miles. The 19th Regiment held the extreme 
left, when, on the morning of the 2 2d, the troops 
waited the rebel approach. North of the road w^as 
formed the 6th Regiment K. S. M., Colonel James 
Montgomery ; then the colored volunteers, about 
six hundred strong (the mounted companies being 
retained with their local militia regiments). Imme- 
diately to their rear, in the open ground, was sta- 
tioned the 9th Wisconsin Battery, and to the right, 
under direction of Captain Dodge, the two Parrotts 
of Lieutenant Minor. The guns were supported by 
15" 



124 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

the 5tli Regiment K. S. M., Colonel Colton, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Eves' Battalion from Bourbon 
county. 

Above the main crossing, McLain's Colorado Bat- 
tery held a commanding position. The 4th Brigade 
was formed to support it, with the 12th Regiment 
K. S. M., Colonel Treat. The second Colorado sup- 
plied the pickets to the east. One was advanced to 
Rock Ford, four miles from Independence. Six com- 
panies, under Captain Green, were thrown across as 
skirmishers, and remained until the left and centre 
retired to Kansas City. 

At Simmons' Ford, two miles south, the 10th 
Regiment K. S. M., Colonel Wm. Pennock, was sta- 
tioned, supporting a section of the 2d Kansas Bat- 
tery. Early on the morning of the 22d, Colonel 
Moonlight moved to this point with the 11th Kansas 
and assumed command. Above this a cattle ford — 
known as Hinkle's — was left comparatively un- 
guarded. Three miles from Simmons' Ford is 
Byrom's. This proved to be the main point of 
attack. Roads to Independence and Raytown cross 
here, and to the west run roads which diverge to 
Kansas City or Westport, striking between both, or 
moving out towards the State line. 

Colonel Blair had, the evening previous, directed 
Colonel McCaiu, with mounted battalion of the 4th 
K. S. M., to proceed to this ford, hold the same, and 
scout thoroughly the eastern bank and roads ; also 
to open communication with the force at Russell's 



COLONEL MCCAIN'S MOVEMENTS. 125 

Ford on the Hickman's Mills road, some miles to tlie 
south. It was late at night Avhen tlie 4th Regiment 
proceeded to its destination. Compelled to cross the 
Blue, it moved almost in the face of the enemy, over 
a rough country, and by blind and broken roads. 
At 1 P. M., Colonel McCain halted his command in 
the bottom near Byrom's Ford, to await daylight, 
and thus enable kim to ascertain kis whereabouts. 

In the morning at break of day, lie occupied his 
assigned position. Dispatckes were sent to Hick- 
man's witk an escort of twenty-one men. Tkis party 
was attacked soon after dayligkt^ two miles from the 
Ford, and all but one taken prisoners. He escaped 
by the fleetness of kis korse. Aaron Cook^ one of 
the prisoners, was murdered in cold blood. 

Major Hazen was sent w^itk a detackment to kold 
anotker ford, long disused, some distance above. 
He came across a rebel straggler, played "secesk" 
on kim, obtaining niuck valuable information, and 
tken brougkt kim into camp. At nine A. M., 
Colonel Jennison, witk tke 1st Brigade, took position 
at Byrom's Ford. 

Still furtker above was tke ford know^n as Eussell's, 
or Hickman's Mills Crossius^. This was of consider- 
able importance. General M. S. Grant, tkrougk 
General Deitzler, kad been directed to kold tkis 
position witk militia ; two regiments of cavalry and 
one gun being detailed for tkat purpose under tke 
following order : 



126 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Head-Quarters Kansas State Militia, ) 

Camp at Shawnee, Kansas, > 

Oct. 20th, 1864. ) 

Special Order, [ 
No. 15. f 

I. The commanding officer, 1st Brigade, will, on receipt 
of this order, move the 2d K. S. M., Colonel Veale com- 
manding, and the 21st K. S. M., Colonel Lowe command- 
ing, to the crossing of the Big Blue, near Hickman's Mills, 
Missouri. 

II. The officers commanding this force, on arriving at 

the point designated, will proceed at once to fortity that 

crossing for defensive purposes, and picket thoroughly the 

country on the opposite side. 

-:«■ * * * * * « * 

By order of Major-General Deitzler, K. S. M. 

John T. Morton, A. A. G; 

The Leavenwortli Battery was designated as part 
of this force, but as elsewhere stated, it abandoned 
the field and returned home. Colonel Veale's 
immediate command consisted of the cavalry of the 
2d and 3rd Regiments, numbering about seven 
hundred men. The 21st, Colonel Lowe, numbered 
about five hundred. A brass twenty-four pound 
howitzer, belonging to Company "A," 2d Regiment, 
under Captain Ross Burues, was attached. Colonel 
Veale moved on the morning of the 21st, crossed 
the State line, marched through Westport and to 
the ford near Hickman's Mills, where he encamped. 
Here the guns at the Little Blue were plainly 
heard, and the militia fully realized that they were 
in face of an enemy, and about to fight for their 
homes. The same night a bushwhacking force, 
under Lieutenant Mears, said to be four hundred 



MOVEMENT OF COLONEL VEALE. 127 

strong, surprised a company of Missouri Militia, 
under Captain Tate, at Hickman's Mills, and passed 
within range of our pickets. 

At sunrise, Colonel Veale receiving a dispatch 
from General Grant, stating his inability to join at 
an early hour with balance of brigade, fell back, 
according to direction, to the Moccabee Farm (a well 
known Union man's), one and a half miles in the 
direction of Westport. This would give him an oppor- 
tunity of supporting the force at Byrom's Ford. 

Such was the position of our forces along the line 
of the Big Blue, before the enemy attacked our 
right. It extended for nearly fifteen miles, and 
could not be otherwise than weak at isolated points. 
The main body of the State Militia (infantry) were 
at Kansas City, or concentrating there from Shawnee 
Town and Leavenworth. A battalion from Osage 
County encamped the night of the 21st at Little 
Santa Fe, and moved up the line in time to partici- 
pate in the engagements. A battalion of the 13th 
Regiment, and also one of the 23rd, under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonels Johnson and Guildford, participated 
in the movements on our extreme right. 

About 9 o'clock A. M., a small body of cavalry 
demonstrated on the main road, east of the centre. 
It was a feint to cover movements to the south-west. 
Captain Green drove back this force. A small 
scouting party also appeared at the cavalry ford on 
our extreme left, but retired before the militia. 



128 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

General Deitzler liacl command of the left, Gen- 
eral Blmit the right and centre. General Curtis' 
Head-Qnarters were about a mile from the ford, and 
afterwards farther west, at the forks of roads to 
Kansas City and AVestport. Early in the forenoon, 
becomins: conv^inced that the rebels were movino" 
up the stream, orders were sent through Major 
McKenny to General Deitzler, to reinforce Colonel 
Jennison. The 16th Kansas, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Walker, which had reported to General Deitzler, was 
ordered to Byrom's Ford, as was also Colonel Moon- 
light, with the 2d Brigade. 

At Byrom's Forcl, Colonel Jennison had timber 
felled to obstruct the crossing. The position was a 
strong one, and the ford was rendered almost 
impregnable. Two companies, 15th Kansas, under 
Captains Swain and .Smith, were sent across the 
stream to scout. Afterwards, a battalion, under 
Major Laing, were sent up stream towards Hick- 
man's Mills, and did not rejoin the brigade until 
after Price retreated south. Captain Smith returned 
to the main ford in safety, though narrowly escaping 
capture. Captain Swain retained liis post at the 
forks of the Raytowu and Independence roads, until 
the enemy had passed between him and the ford, 
as well as to the south, moving towards Hickman's 
Mills. He found himself in a perilous position, and 
almost surrounded. Swain determined to make an 
attempt to escape," hoping to pass between the 
moving columns as a part of the rebel force. This 



A GALLANT ESCAPE. 129 

design was materially assisted by tlie fact, that many 
of the confederates wore blue overcoats, captured 
from our men. Addressing his men, he told them if 
they would obey orders and hold together, he could 
take them thi'ough. Moving to the west, skirting 
the timber, he passed a short distance without 
attracting attention, though the sound of artillery 
and other movements, showed that our position had 
been attacked. On the east and south, heavy col- 
nmns could be seen moving and closing to his front, 
while the timber seemed to swarm with rebel scouts. 
The scpiadron was seen, pursued ; the race became 
exciting and desperate, and our men, though holding 
well together, were almost headed off. They went 
by the head of the rebel column with a dash, sabre 
and revolver in hand, reins in teeth, passed the 
flankers, and succeeded in escaping without loss. 
The squadron moved rapidly beyond the enemy, 
reached and passed round Hickman's Mills, crossing 
the line into Kansas, rejoining their regiment at or 
near Little Santa Fe. 

To return to Byrom's Ford, where Shelby's 
advance was attempting to cross, Colonel Jennison 
placed the howitzers in the road commanding the 
east bank, and deployed a strong skirmish line. For 
houi's the rebels madii but little progress, having 
commenced the attack at 11, and not forcing a pas- 
sage till 3 P. M. It is certain that a portion of the 
attacking force crossed at cattle fords, both above 
and below Colonel Jennison's position. On finding 
16 



130 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

itself flanked, the 1st Brigade fell back towards 
Westport, fighting at every available point. Dis- 
patches were sent to Generals Curtis and Blunt. 
The latter, hearing the guns, had previously ordered 
Colonel Moonlight, and the 16th Kansas, to support 
the 1st Brigade. McLain's Battery was also with- 
drawn from its position and ordered towards West- 
port. It was found impossible to reach the Byrom's 
Ford road with artillery by any shorter route than 
this. Thus our lines were driven back, and the 
rebels crossed the stream in force, moving a heavy 
column, under General Shelby himself, towards the 
State line, passing round by roads south-east of 
Westport. Another body of rebels moved directly 
to that place, passing to the left of Colonel Jennison, 
by whom they were supposed to be Kansas Militia. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Sam Walker, moving with the 
16th Cavalry, to the support of Jennison, discovered 
them and halted his command, sending back skir- 
mishers under Captain Wright. He held them 
handsomely in check. They commenced to flank us 
on the left. Again the 16th fell slowly back to the 
outskirts of Westport, and with the assistance of a 
battalion of militia cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel 
M. Murdock, k^pt the enemy out until the arrival of 
Colonel Ford compelled them, to retreat to the Blue. 
Major McKenny rallied the militia and placed them 
in a position to do good service. 

The 1st Brigade moved steadily to the open 
prairie, four miles below Westport, near the State 



ENGAGEMENT ON THE LINE. 131 

line. Upon reaching the line road, Colonel Moon- 
light, with the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavaliy, 
the 12th Regiment Kansas State Militia, two 
Parrott guns and four howitzers, joined the com- 
mand. The head of Shelby's Division was then 
near the line, and almost into Kansas. Both 
brigades formed in line, and the action commenced 
fiercely. A body of militia (battalion of the 13th, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson), were formed in 
line of battle to the rear of the 1st Brigade. The 
engagement became sharp and general. 

Our forces had been strengthened by the body 
guard of General Curtis, who, at Westport, had 
directed Major Hunt to reinforce Colonel Jennison. 
The Colonel directed him, as they met on the 
Byrom's Ford road, to fall back towards Westport and 
assist in holding that place against the rebel flanking 
column. Here Colonel Moonlight was joined by 
Major Hunt, and all passed out to the south. Two 
rifled guns had been brought up by Shelby, and 
the field was hotly contested ; but we continued to 
drive them steadily for nearly four miles and until 
dark, back to the Big Blue. The 14th Regiment, 
Kansas State Militia, Colonel Harvey, on its march 
to Kansas City, arrived in sight of the enemy, and 
were deployed on the high prairie in support of our 
troops. Among the most eflicient volunteers on 
this occasion, was an Aide of General Grant, Kansas 
State Militia, Dr. Dubois, of Leavenworth, who 
rendered Colonel Jennison orreat assistance in con- 



132 AKMY OF TILE BOEDER. 

veying orders, riding to the most exposed portion of 
our lines. The fighting was principally done by our 
gMrmishers, eight companies being deployed for that 
purpose. Four or five companies of the 11th and 
the remainder of the 15th — the former under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Plumb, and the latter under Captains 
Wanless and Johnson and Major Hunt, who assumed 
command of our skirmish line after the engagement 
opened — composed our advance. The work was 
most gallantly executed. As the 1st and 2d 
Brigades came up at diflferent parts of the engage- 
ment, no general direction was taken by either com- 
mander ; Colonel Jennison being the senior ofiicer, 
however, Colonel Moonlight formed on his left. 
Major Hunt took command of the skirmish line. 
Under his direction, the formation was completed, a 
steady forward movement made, and success insui'ed. 
When the rebels withdrew, the Major was loudly 
cheered by the men, who realized that this result 
was largely due to his efforts. 

Wlien the sun went down, Shelby's Division had 
melted from the field. They had fallen back to the 
Big Blue, where a long line of fires and heavy 
columns of smoke told of the presence of a large 
army. Our troops retired to Westport, which was 
already occupied by the 16th Ivansas ; CoIoeci Ford 
with the 2d Colorado Cavalry, and McLain's Battery 
covering the roads to Kansas City. 

Colonel Ford with a portion of his regiment and 
the 12th K. S. M. had been ordered from the centre 
to reinforce Jennison about 3 P.M. 



EEBEL DEFEAT AT SUNDOWN. 133 

In this engagement our loss was inconsiderable, 
while the results were most conspicuous. Gallautr}'- 
was never more heartily displayed. Each man felt 
he was defendins: his own fire-side. The conscious- 
ness of the devastation to which Kansas would be 
doomed in the event of a rebel invasion — the 
memory of Lawrence and other raids — nerved every 
arm, and filled the heart of. our soldiers with fierce 
resolve not to be defeated, however great were the 
odds. The loss on the part of the enemy was 
reported at over one hundred. We captured one 
hundred and fifty stand of small arms from dead and 
wounded left on the field. Among the prisoners waa 
a Lieutenant of Jackman's Regiment, who reported 
the entire rebel army on the Blue as numbering 
30,000, and intending to fight in the morning for the 
possession of Kansas City. 

To return to the force at the Plickman's Mills 
crossing — our extreme right — and the events which 
transpired there. 

Colonel Veale havins; moved back to the Moc- 
abee farm, formed his command in line of battle, 
covering the road to Byrom's Ford. T|ieu, with his 
Adjutant, Lieutenant E. P. Kellum, and an escort of 
twelve men, he moved down the road to commu- 
nicate with Colonel Jennison ; Lieutenant-Colonel 
Greene beinc; left in command of the Brio;ade. 

General M. S. Grant, accompanied by the 21st 
K. S. M., soon after arrived on the ground. On the 
return of Colonel Veale, who reported all right at 



134 AKMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

the ford, it was determined to move forward and 
occupy the position originally assigned them. Col. 
Veale, with six companies moved to the east side 
of the Blue, reconnoitering towards Independence ; 
Captain Hindman, with the Douglas County Battal- 
ion, being left in charge of the train and ford. 

A messenger had previously reached Grant, with 
the following dispatch from General Curtis : 

Head-Quaeters, Forks of the Road, ) 
9 A. M., Oct. 22d, 1864. f 

General Grant : — Price is making very feeble demon- 
strations in front. Look out for your position. Send 
scouts on road to Pleasant Hill, and also towards Inde- 
pendence, to see if Price is moving towards my flank. 
Send me reports every thirty minutes. 

S. R. Curtis, Major-General. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Guildford with battalion of 
the 23rd Hegiment Kansas State Militia, reached 
Westport about 10 A. M., and was ordered to rep)ort 
to Colonel Veale. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson also 
reported with battalion of the 13th. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Abernathy was sent Math a party to 
communicate with Colonel Jennison. On his return, 
Colonel Lowe was sent to the Rock Ford on the 
Little Blue, upon the Pleasant Hill road. At the 
crossing were retained, under command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Guildford, his own battalion ; that of 
the 13th, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson ; Captain 
Hindman's, 3rd Regiment, and the twenty-four- 
pound howitzer. Colonel Veale moved, as ordered, 
on the Hickman's Mills road, without finding the 



135 

enemy. On Lis return he halted to feed, and was 
met by General Grant, who had also crossed the 
stream to examine the country. Returning with 
Colonel Veale, they were met at the crossing by 
dispatches directing Grant to reinforce Jennison, who 
had been driven from Byrom's Ford. Arriving at 
the west side, it was found that Colonel Guildford 
had moved without orders in the direction of 
Westport. The difficulty in the management of 
affairs here, seems to have been that General Grant 
scattered too much, sending out too heavy recon- 
ncritering parties, and not keeping the troops well in 
hand. The gun had also moved back, and as was 
soon seen, was left with only the detachment 
belonging thereto, to protect and defend it. A 
dispatch was sent to Colonel Lowe, directing his 
speedy return. This reached him at Hickman's 
Mills. Major Laing, with four companies of the 
15th Kansas Cavalry, was also with him. An Aide 
of General Curtis, Lieutenant Cyrus M. Roberts, 
found this ^orce and returned to the Blue with it. 
Laing was charged with want of alacrity in moving 
as directed. 

In the meantime it was found that our troops were 
engaged near the Mocabee farm, and General Grant, 
believing that Colonel Lowe would soon be up, 
determined, contrary to the recommendations of 
Colonel Veale, to push forward to the prairie on the 
"Westport Road. The rebels, who had crossed 
between Byrom's and Russell Fords, attacked Cols. 



136 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

Guildford and Johnson in tlie lane. Captain 
Hindman's battalion had fled, leaving the train. 
The others had been driven from the field in the 
direction of Westport. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson 
afterwards moved out to the support of Colonel 
Jennison at the State line fif>;ht. 

Captain Bnrnes, marching in rear of Guildford, 
was challenged in the lane by a rebel officer. A 
heavy line was deployed, and the rebels opened Are 
upon the little handful of twenty-one men who were 
with the gun. Private Race and the Captain 
returned to the gun, which, in spite of the odds, 
returned the rebel fire with a sjiell. At this time 
Colonel Veale, with a battalion, numbering in all 
not over two hundred and fifty men, formed to sup- 
port the gun. The rel)el force in our front was 
under Jackman, and in spite of the disparity of 
numbers, their advance was for some time checked. 
A rebel officer rode up to Colonel Veale, and, mis- 
taking him for one of their own officers, was captured. 
It proved to l)e a nephew of General Shelby. The 
gallant militia formed under a galling fire, and 
maintained the unequal conflict for about forty 
minutes. Expecting the arrival of Colonel Lowe, 
General Grant hesitated to withdraw, though urged 
to do so by Colonel Veale. Our first line of battle 
was broken in some confusion, but speedily re-formed, 
and the men continued the conflict with the coolness 
of veterans, exhibiting none of the characteristics of 
raw militia. It was the very apotheosis of valor, and 



EETEEAT FROM EUSSELl's FORD. 137 

well deserves a place among tlie heroic actions of 
this war. 

The continued resistance, so deadly and effective, 
of this puny handful, exasperated the reljels to mad- 
ness, and finally their whole line, which had been 
strengthened until it numbered 3,000 men, charged 
with a yell, almost overwhelming the little band. 
This onslaught drove our force parallel to the lane. 
The rebels dismounted and occupied a locust grove 
on our right, pouring therefrom a deadly fire. Com- 
pany " B," 2d Hegiment, cleared the grove, and 
repelled a fiank movement. Still Colonel Lowe did 
not arrive, and it became evident that an attempt 
at escape must be immediately luade. The battery 
l)oys stood at their guns, each vying with the other, 
until all were shot down ; all dead or wounded, or 
taken prisoners. Not a member of the detachment 
escaped. A fianking column had in the meanwhile 
passed around the Locust Grove, and extending 
almost to the Blue, poured in a most deadly fire, and 
the weak and waverino; line fled towards the timber. 
Colonel Veale, Lieutenant-Colonel Greene, Captain 
Huutoon, and other gallant oflicers, remained almost 
to the last man. They had nobly striven against 
odds outnumbering them at least ten to one. The 
rebels charged with their wild and peculiar yell. 
Maddened by the gallant resistance they met, our 
men were shot down as they surrendered, or mur- 
dered as they lay wounded on the ground. True 

17 



138 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

courage seems not to excite admiration, but rather 
to arouse their passions to madness. 

Another line of battle was formed in the timber 
of the Big Blue, and Colonel Lowe arriving on the 
double quick, dismounted his men, sent the horses 
to the rear, and moved in good order to check the 
enemy's advance. They came on yelling, evidently 
intendino; to take in the entire force of "Tads." 
Major Laing, with battalion of the 15th Kansas, is 
reported as not acting with proper courage, and 
iinally as moving off the field without in any way 
aiding the militia. He was arrested by order of 
General Curtis for this, and was afterwards tried, the 
court exonerating him, though dismissing him from 
the service on other disgraceful charges. The 21st 
was formed along the brow of the rise ; the 
enemy were coming in hot haste through a nar- 
row defile at the foot. Those of the 21st who could 
see the enemy commenced firing; the rebel advance 
fell back out of sight. Presently they moved for- 
ward again, when a heavy volley from our entire line 
drove them once more. At this time, some of the 
militia, seeing Major Laing leaving, also started to 
the rear ; but Colonel Lowe, Lieutenant-Colonel Rob- 
inson, Major Still, and Lieutenant Roberts, A. D. C, 
weapons in hand, checked and turned them to the 
front. A brisk fire was maintained for half an 
hour, but the rebels gladly availed themselves of all 
possible shelter. Finding our position could not be 
forced, they returned, leaving our exhausted citizens 



MUEDEK OF OUR WOUN-DED. 139 

to withdraw unmolested from their isolated and 
perilous position. Tlie 21st lost three men — two 
killed. 

To narrate the conspicuous acts of personal dar- 
ing, at the Mocabee Farm fight, would be impos- 
sible. Where all done so well, it would seem 
invidious. Dan Handly, of the battery, fell at his 
gun, lighting even after being wounded aud on the 
ground. Many, as before stated, were shot after 
surrender. It is probable, that but for the personal 
interference of General Joe Shelby, all would have 
been butchered by Jackman's bushwhackers. Lieu- 
tenant Wm. De Long was shot after capture, and 
died at Kansas City. Race of Company " A," was 
also shot, and died on the following Tuesday. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Greene, while with Captain Huntoon, 
endeavorino; to form a line on the west bank of the 
stream, was taken prisoner. He was divested of 
nearly all his clothing and shot at three times, one 
ball taking effect in his hip, one glancing along the 
back of his head, and the other missing. The 
ruf&an who fired, exclaimed as he did so — " There, 
d — n you, die !" Colonel Greene shortly after dark 
succeeded in dragging himself to a ravine on the left 
of the road, and lay there that night and following 
day. He heard tlie noise of the engagement at the 
State line, and distant thunders of the guns at West- 
port next morning. About 11 A. M., the forces of 
Marmaduke commenced moving by the adjacent 
road to the South. Colonel Greene, being discov- 



140 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

ered, was at first supposed to belong to their own 
command. A surgeon gave liim some whiskey and 
water. Later in the day, when in response to close 
questioning, Colonel Greene assured a party he was 
a Federal officer from Kansas. Although displea- 
sure was manifested, no threats were made or violence 
exhibited. Before night the rebels had passed. 
Our troops moved upon a road further to the west. 
Colonel Greene did not obtain assistance till Tues- 
day, when he reached a house, was fed and taken to 
Westport. Captain Huntoon was taken prisoner, as 
were many others. Two men of the 23rd were killed 
after surrender; three taken prisoners, who subse- 
quently escaped. A portion of its train, nine 
wagons and eighteen horses, were captured ; as also 
a portion of the train of the 19th, with the Brigade 
Quarter-Master, Lieutenant Marsh, of Leavenworth. 

The simple, but vivid words of Colonel Veale's 
report, form a fitting close to this narrative : 

"It is not for me to say upon whom rests the 
*' responsibility of scattering our forces in such a 
" manner as to preclude the possibility of concert, or 
" unity of action. I can only say, I acted under 
" orders, and by so doing lost twenty-four brave 
" Kansans killed, about that number wounded, and 
" eighty-eight taken prisoners, among them four 
" officers ; also one twenty-four pound brass howitzer, 
*' and one hundred horses. 

" The enemy's loss in killed and wounded in this 
*' engagement was very heavy, as our prisoners 



MOUENESTG HOUSEHOLDS. 141 

" passing over a portion of tlie field a few momenta 
" after the battle counted forty-three dead rebels. 

" AVliile our loss is very severe, I have to thank 
" God that the bold stand taken l)y my brave men 
•*' gave the enemy an afternoon jol), which detained 
" them from marching into Kansas ; and the next 
"morning they were confronted l:)y an army that 
"neither yielded them ground nor spared their 
" ammunition, but put them on a hasty retreat 
" southward, and thus Kansas was saved. 

" On the . morning of the 24th, we gathered 
"together our dead (our wounded having been 
"already cared for), and took them to Kansas City, 
"where we obtained coffins for them, and on the 
" morning of the 25tli we buried them at Wvandotte, 
" on Kansas soil. From there we marched home to 
"meet our mourning friends, and tell the story of 
"the fallen." 

And there was mourning in many households. 
The brave had fallen. Their homes were bereaved. 
Widows and orphans were made desolate. Let 
any one think what a calamity the sudden death of 
two score of active citizens would be in any small 
community. Yet it was not this alone which affected 
Shawnee county. Three score and over were pris- 
oners in the hands of the Philistines. Their fate 
was more pitiful ; as, even if not murdered, there 
was the horror of ling^erinc; starvation, and all the 
foul and loathsome fear of the rebel prison pens, to 
haunt with dread the loving memories at home. 



142 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. 

Soon afterwards tlie dead were gathered up and 
returned to Topeka, where they were re-buried with 
public honors. A monument is to be erected over 
their grave. 

The number of prisoners captured by the rebels 
was one hundred and two. The number of killed 
was thirty, ten of whom were killed after surrender; 
one being shot for a bushwhacker by our own troops, 
through a sad error. The wounded in all would 
not number more than fifty. The following are the 
names of the wounded of the 2d Regiment : Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel H. M. Greene, Captain S. B. Miles, 
Captain H. E. Bush, Captain Ross Burnes, Lieutenant 
Wm. De Long (since died), Privates John P. Green, 
John A. Ward, Brook Crawford, John Keiser, Isaac 
Rickel, John Prater, Peter Fleck, Allen Blandon, 
John Thompson, H. M. Howard, Martin Dreck, 
James Norris, Wm. T. Thompson, John Branner, 
John Ward. 

The prisoners were: Captain Huntoon, Lieuten- 
ants Hiram Ward, P. H. Gilland and John W. 
Brown, (Lieutenant Ward died after his release, from 
the sufferings endured while a prisoner;) Sergeant 
Geo. Duncan, Corporal J. H. Glenn, Privates G. H. 
Wood, F. Dawson, C. G. Howard, W. Flanders, A. 
McConnel, F. M. Fletcher, Nelson Young, S. Shaefer, 
J. S. Stansfield, E. B. Williams, Levi Williams, J. 
Warren, J. Reed, O. Nuylor, J. T. Gage, A. Quiet, 
J. Keiser, R. B. Hoeback, Wm. Marx, J. B. Taylor, 
A. G. Taylor, G. B. McKee, John Kempt, S. J. 



RETURlSr TO KANSAS. 143 

Reader, J. W. Clark, Epli. Jolanson, J. P. Majors, J. 
Bickel, D. Vangliii, J. Hudgins, T. Fleshman, Geo. 
Fix, H. Fix, W. True, H. Cunningham, L. T. Cook, 
S. Blandon, G. Wood, D. Stevens, Jerome Stalil, Eli 
Snyder, J. Russell, B. Ingrund, W. S. Hiljbard, H. 
M. Denning, John Robinson, J. S. Markham, S. 
Rosier, H. Linn, E. AVilliams, G. G. Sage, C. G. 
Follansbee, John Link, R. Fitzgerald, Fred Mackey, 
J. Anderson, A. H. Holman, E. Rape and Jacob 
Klein. 

Lieutenant Marsh, Brigade Quartermaster, was 
also captured, as were twenty men of the 4tli Regi- 
ment, and others belonging to the 19th and 23rd 
Regiments. 

After witnessino; the withdrawal of the rebels 
from their front, the militia retired to Kansas, 
(whither they had 1)een pi'eceded by Major Laing,) 
foUowino; the timber of the Blue to Little Santa Fe. 
The 2d Regiment moved to Wyandotte and Kansas 
City next day. The 21st, with others, were sta- 
tioned at the Fords on the Kansas River, under 
directions of General Curtis, through Senator 
Pomeroy. 

AVhile these events were transpiring, the left and 
centre of the army had fallen back to Kansas City 
by order of General Blunt. This movement was 
commenced about four P. M. General Blunt and 
staff moved towards Westport in advance. Direct- 
ing his staff' and Colonel Blair to station the troops 
as they arrived in the entrenchments at Kansas Cit ', 



144 ARMY OF THE EOKDEE. 

General Blunt himself rode to Westport, where lie 
found the other brigades of his command ; the 1st 
and 2d with the 4th and 10th Kansas State Militia 
at the south side of the town ; the 2d Colorado, 12th 
Kansas State Militia, and McLain's Battery, on the 
hill upon the Kansas City road, in line of battle. 
The militia were ordered to Kansas City and 
placed in the entrenchments till daybreak. The 
battery was also ordered back. The cavalry 
remained at Westj^ort, the 16th Kansas holding the 
picket lines. The rebel camp extended for miles, 
far to the right and left of our bivouack fires. A 
night of anxiety and doubt, but not dread, was 
passed. 

As our troops were falling back, a messenger 
arrived from General Pleasanton, at Independence, 
announcing the victory there, and his presence in our 
neighborhood. 

The intelligence was greeted with wild cheers, as 
staff officers rode along the line communicating the 
welcome news. 

As the rear guard left the crossing of the Blue, a 
party of rebels, about five hundred strong, who had 
lain concealed in the brush on the east bank, made a 
rush upon the rear, consisting of the 19th Regiment 
Kansas State Militia, under Colonel Hogan. The 
rel)el dash was gallantly made, and as gallantly 
defeated. Wading the creek, they pushed through 
and over the abattis, logs, etc., up to Hogan' s line. 
Our gallant militia turned promjitly. A sharp but 



MOVEMENT TO KANSAS CITY. 145 

short skirmish ensued — partly in the bed of the 
river. The rebels fled, leaving twelve dead and ten 
prisoners in our hands, among whom was a Captain 
Von Valkenberg, brotlier to a member of Congress 
from New York. On being taken before General 
Curtis, he stated that it was Price's intention to 
occupy Kansas City ; of his ability to do which the 
Captain seemed not to doubt. 

The lal)or of placing the militia was of an onerous 
character. Not appreciating the importance of 
position, a large nundjer of the companies sought to 
pass into town and obtain f9od. The scene grew 
animated. Staft' officers galloped here and there, 
shouting hoarsely ; portions of the militia obstinately 
insisting upon their right to do as they pleased ; 
amusing colloquies and expostulations occurred, but 
at last the long line of works was occupied, and 
affairs began to assume a business sha];)e. The guns 
were placed in commanding positions ; the 2d Kansas 
Battery covering the main road to Independence ; 
Dodge's (9th Wisconsin) Battery and the section 
under Lieutenant Minor occupying elevated ground, 
covering roads to the north and west ; McLain being 
placed to cover the approach from 'Westj;)ort. By 
some mistake, the ordnance train and horses of the 
militia were removed towai'ds the Kansas River, near 
the Wyandotte bridge, and were not found until 
nearly daybreak. 

Head-quarters were established at the Gillis 
House. Very few obtained food, while many of 
18 



146 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

the officers worked hard throughout the night in 
procuring and forwarding ammunition and subsist- 
ence to the troops at Westport and in the trenches. 
General Blunt and staff worked all night, and 
before day mounted their horses and rode to the 
front. 



CHAPTEK XII I. 



BATTLE OF WESTPORT. 



The Sabbatli dawned upon hostile armies ; one 
intent upon invasion and rapine ; the other, sternly 
moved to resist and defeat the foe. The intense 
feeling among Kansas troops, as the taint flush of 
morn lit up the eastern sky, cannot now be realized. 
All felt they were defending their homes. The 
artillery of the opening conflict could be plainly 
heard at many of their firesides. It was a day such 
as seldom dawns upon a peoj^le. Mothers, wives, 
little ones, were uniting in prayer for protection. 
An host of implacable foes, in insolent triumph, 
were thundering at their doors. But no one shrank 
from the bloody conflict. Each felt here w^as the 
hour of manhood ; and all were equal to the grand 
occasion. 

The volunteer troops of General Curtis were left 
watching, during the night, extended lines of 
camp-fires, which told them the foeman's Avherea- 



150 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. 

bouts. East of Westport extends tlie long line of 
the Big Blue, witli its broken country densely cov- 
ered witli timber. Two miles south is Brush creek, 
a small stream emptying into the Blue, with precipi- 
tous banks, densely wooded. It branches about 
four miles west at the Shawnee Mission, and heads a 
dozen miles further in Kansas. Four miles north is 
Kansas City, at the junction of the Kansas and Mis- 
souri Rivers. The Kansas is almost due north, with 
a well-timbered stream, easily defensible— Turkey 
creek lying between — and emptying into the river 
near Kansas City. This was an important part of 
the line adopted by General Curtis, in the event of 
falling back to Kansas City. North-east lies Inde- 
pendence, distance twelve miles. One road runs 
directly east from the town to the Blue. The 
Byromjs Ford road runs south by east from West- 
port, till it strikes the stream The road to Little 
Santa Fe, a small village on the State line, about 
twelve miles south-west, passes directly south across 
Brush creek. The Byrom's Ford road leaves this 
just north of the creek, while the Hickman's Mill 
road crosses it about three miles from Westport. 
The country south of Brush Creek and east of the 
Big Blue, is high table land — the summit level 
between the Big Blue and the Kansas Rivers. For 
over two miles, contiguous to Brush Creek on the 
south, the cultivated fields extend, with lines of 
fences and walls, admirably adapted for sheltering 
troops. They were freely used by both sides. 



LOCATION OF TEOOPS. 151 

Beyond this, for about four miles, swells the open 
prairie, until you reach the broken country about 
Indian Creek, where the dense timber, interspersed 
with occasional fields, offers good cover for a 
retreating army. 

The troops who were to participate in this day's 
operations, were located in this wise : General 
Curtis, with the volunteers at Westport as an 
advance, and the main body of the militia in the 
intrenchnients at Kansas City. Thus his line 
ext^ided north and south. The rebel army were 
encamped on the Big Blue, from the vicinity of 
Byrom's Ford, where their main body bivouacked, 
westward to beyond Russell's Ford. General Pleas- 
anton, with the four brigades of cavalry under his 
command, had succeeded on the evening of the 22d, 
in occupying Independence, and defeating the rebel 
rear division with some loss. Three brigades, 
Sanborn, Brown and Winslow's (of the I7th Army 
Corps), were on the road to Byrom's Ford, following 
in the direct track of Price's main army ; while Gen- 
eral McNeil, with the 1st Brigade, was moving from 
Independence, on a road running north and west 
towards Hickman's Mill. The Union army was 
therefore advancing from the north and east ; while 
the rebel army were moving south and west. Gen- 
eral Curtis' main purpose would be to prevent them 
going any further west, and if unable to defeat them 
fully, to turn them southward. Two roads run in 
this direction, both of which the rebel army covered ; 



152 AKMY OF TIIE BORDEK. 

the State line road already spoken of, north of the 
Big Blue till you crossed it some miles beyond Little 
Santa Fe, and the other crossing at the Russell Ford, 
and passing through Pleasant Hill and Harrisonville, 
some miles east of the river road. McNeil's move- 
ment upon the road from Independence to Hick- 
man's Mill, south of the Blue, was designed to obtain 
possession of this road at the mill, and so check a 
movement on that line. In addition to these forces. 
Major General A. J. Smith, with 10,000 infantry, 
was moving rapidly from Lexington to Independ- 
ence, hoping to ]3articipate in the final engagement, 
should we succeed in holding Price. 

The earliest dawn found General Blunt with his 
staff at Westport, and the utmost activity prevailing 
throughout our lines. The brigade of Colonel Blair, 
consisting of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th and 19th Regi- 
ments K. S. M. (Cavalry), with the 9th Wisconsin 
Battery, and the section belonging to the Colored 
Battery under Lieutenant Minor, were ordered to 
march at 3 A. M., from the intrench ments to the 
front. McLain had already moved. By 5 o'clock, 
Colonel Blair was on the move. 

The 1st, 3rd and 4th Brigades, Colonels Jennison 
Moonlight and Ford, were already moving out to 
attack the enemy, who from his position, if allowed, 
could at his leisure attack us in front, or turn our 
right flank. 

The 1st and 4th Brigades, numbering in all not 
more than 1,800 men, with McLain's Battery, moved 



FOKMATIOJS" OF OUK LINE. 153 

on tlie south road, crossed Brusli creek and took 
position, mainly to the right of the road. The north 
bank of the creek was covered for over a mile with 
timber and sparse brush. South, the timber 
extended for half a mile, when the road passed 
between heavy stone walls for some distance. To 
the left, the timber was dense, made so by the junc- 
tion of a small creek with the main one ; while to 
the right were open fields, on the northern edge of 
which the timber swept to the west in shape like the 
horn of a crescent. Here then the line was formed. 
Our left, consisting of the 2d Colorado and 16th 
Kansas, rested on the lane ; the battery in the field 
near the timber, while the 1st Brigade deployed to 
the right. General Blunt by this movement sought 
to gain time for the arrival and deployment of the 
militia, and to hinder the rebel movements upon our 
right, toward which it was evident a portion of their 
lines were movino;. From the roof of the hotel at 
Westport, the rebel army could plainly be seen. In 
front of our little advance, was deploying a large 
force, consisting, as afterwards proved, of the Divi- 
sion of Major-General Joe Shelby, with a portion of 
Fagan's Division. (This latter had fallen l)ack to 
Byrom's Ford, after being driven by McNeil from 
Independence.) Further to the south and east could 
be seen an enormous train moving off under protec- 
tion of Marmaduke's Division, with a large force of 
conscripts, tfec, most of whom were indifferently 
armed. The glasses of observant officers showed 
19 



154 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

that this train, enormous in extent, was moving 
towards the south. This was hailed as an evidence 
of Price's intention to fight only when necessary to 
enable him to escape with the immense plunder of 
his raid. 

A smidl body of the 6th K. S. M. was sent under 
Colonel Burris, Vol. A. D. C, to scout through the 
timber to the' east, which in that direction came 
close to the town, and might easily afford a cover 
to a flanking: movement. He soon returned with 
information that the enemy were all west of the 
Blue and south of the Byrom's Ford road. 

Our troops were barely deployed before being 
hotly engaged. The fences impeded active operations 
by cavalry, but afforded protection to skirmishers, 
who were pushed rapidly forward. McLain was in 
position at the edge of the timber, half a mile to 
the rear. At first the firing was entirely artillery, 
with the exception of a few shots exchanged by the 
skirmish line. The rebels continued deploying, 
receiving large reinforcements, and advancing with 
spirit and vigor. Their long lines pressed forward 
steadily, displaying as they did so in the centre a 
fine battle flag. Two guns, under Lieutenant Eayres, 
were ordered forward, taking position on the hill and 
overlooking the open prairie across which the enemy 
was advancing. The guns did excellent work, were 
double shotted with canister, while the range being 
short aild the firing rapid, every shot told. The 
enemy's guns replied with vigor, and the ball was 



THE ENEMY S ADVANCE CHECKED. 155 

opened. Colonel Moonlight, witli the 2d Brigade, 
had not yet taken position. Captain Hinton, General 
Blunt's Aide, was sent to the Colonel with orders to 
press forward on the right. He found him deploy- 
ing his troops, consisting of the 11th Kansas, detach- 
ments of the 5th and a battalion <5i the 12th K. S. 
M., under Lieutenant-Colonel Wood worth. 

Along the line the fighting continued with varying 
fortune on either side. Lieutenant Beach, of the 
Colorado Battery, with the left section, was ordered 
forward to relieve Eayres, whose ammunition was 
nearly exhausted. Finally the battery took position 
at the front ; centre section occupying the road. On 
our right a heavy attack was made by a rebel 
brigade, resulting in the pressing back of that wing. 
The 15th Kansas cavalry had just previously been 
compelled to fall back, so that the left of the 2d Bri- 
gade was unprotected. A new line was immediately 
formed two hundred yards in the rear. As the 2d 
Brigade fell back, the enemy succeeded in raking the 
exposed flank. Two squadrons of the 11th Artillery 
and Infantry were immediately wheeled, and returned 
the fire. By this movement, which was well 
performed, the enemy were checked. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Woodworth, of the 12th K. S. M., held the 
right flank, gallantly charging with his "Tads" upon 
the rebel skirmishers and driving them back to their 
main line. While the 2d Brigade was thus retiring, 
an order was received from General Blunt, directing 
Colonel Moonlight to withdraw, move towards 



156 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Shawnee Mission, and watcli tlie enemy's right flank, 
following and keeping them out of Kansas. 

While this was occurring on our right — the 2d 
Brigade withdrawing, and the 15th re-forming — the 
rebels were rapidly forming on our left for a charge 
down the lane, for the purpose of capturing the guns 
under Lieut. Birdsall. They had previously suc- 
ceeded in planting a section of Parrott guns on the 
line road, and with a raking and rapid fire, rendered 
our position one of extreme danger. Dobbin's 
Brigade was formed, and headed by Shelby in per- 
son, a bold and dashing charge was made. The lane 
had been swept by the fire from their guns. Portions 
of the 4th Brigade were rapidly formed, consisting of 
the 16th Kansas, and a battalion of the 2d Colorado, 
under Captain Green. With wild huzzas, our boys 
led by Col. Sam Walker in person, dashed forward on 
the charging brigade, which in close column moved on 
the guns in such dangerous proximity to them, that 
the men barely had time to run them to the rear by 
hand, when the galloping squadrons met in the fierce 
contest. Everywhere could be heard mingling yells 
and cheers ; while still in the advance. Colonel 
Walker, sabre in hand, dashed into the midst of the 
rebels. The encounter was brief. Before the wild 
onset of our counter-charge, the keen edges of the 
flashing sabres, and the quick crack of their Colts, 
the rebels broke and fled precipitately to their main 
columns, which, still a mile to the south, were con- 
stantly increasing in numbers. Colonel Walker was 



COLONEL BLAIR RETIEES. 157 

severely wounded in the foot. His personal daring 
was the theme of all who saw or participated. Still 
the rebels advanced, though thus checked on the left, 
and finally succeeded in face of a destructive fire 
from the 1st Brigade, in forcing a heavy column 
into a small copse, which jutted out from the main 
line, to the risfht of Colonel Ford. Our line com- 
menced falling slowly back, forming and fighting 
on each ridge as it did so. 

In the meanwhile, Colonel Blair's Brigade having 
formed south of Westport, on high ground overlook- 
ing a little creek, the southern acclivity of which 
was covered with dense timber and undergrowth, 
was dismounted (every sixth man detailed to hold 
horses), advanced through the timber and across the 
creek. The militia were deployed to the front and 
left of the 1 5th Kansas, occupying the ground left 
by the 2d Brigade. The enemy were strongly 
posted behind a stone wall, while we were partly 
protected by the fence and timber. Firing wa9 
kept up rapidly for half an hour. The militia took 
advantage of every shelter, and like hunters in pur- 
suit of game, did not throw away their powder, but 
watched the chances of hitting some one. It was 
not an orderly, but a very effective fire. No advance 
was attempted, and soon Colonel Blair retired in 
obedience to orders, with the balance of the division, 
through the timber across the creek, taking his 
former position on the north side. Colonel S. J. 
Crawford, now joined Colonel Blair, and assisted 



158 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

during the balance of tlie day in tlie direction of 
tMs militia. General W. H. M. Fisliback joined his 
brigade, and with it participated in the action. 

The entire division now occupied a position upon 
the north bank of the creek ; the battery upon a 
commanding point of the ridge, covering the road 
and timber on south side ; the volunteer cavalry on 
the bottom and near the crossing, while a part of 
the 2d Colorado, under Captain Green, and the 12th 
K. S. M., under Colonel Treat, were deployed on 
foot as skirmishers. 

In the rear of this our first position, the activity 
was general, the enthusiasm thorough, and the spirit 
of emulation and determination visible on all sides. 

General Curtis had arrived between seven and 
eight at Westport, after giving necessary orders at 
Kansas City. All the males able to work, were set 
to work on the entrenchments ; Brigadier-General 
Sherry, K. S. M., being placed in command. The 
mounted militia force, with the mercantile battery, 
under Captain Zesch, were moved to Westport, 
where, under the direction of staff officers, they were 
dismounted, horses sent to the rear, and the men 
placed in position preparatory to the final advance. 

In the meantime General Blunt had proceeded to 
the front, now our second line, upon the north side 
of Brush Creek. The rebel force could be distinctly 
seen deployed in great numbers. An occasional shot 
from the skirmish line could be heard, and the sound 
indicated a gradual advance. The 1st Brigade had 



GALLANT ACTION OF THE FIFTH EEGIMENT. 159 

formed a second line in rear of tlie dismounted 
militia, along wliose line could be seen rapidly riding 
the commanding and staff officers. Colonel Colton, 
commanding 5tli Regiment, was most conspicuous for 
coolness and courage. McLain had opened from our 
extreme left, shelling a small body of timber, 
through which he believed a column of rebels w^ere 
advancing. The firing ceased, under orders from 
General Blunt, who believed our own men w^ere 
endangered. A small body of rebels advanced 
through the timber, were met and gallantly repulsed 
by the militia under Colonel Colton. The men 
stood up to them like veterans, pouring in their 
volleys as regularly as trained infantry practising. 
The rebels broke and fled, before a militia force of 
about equal number. Colonels Colton and Crawford 
rode along the lines encouraging and directing the 
men, who, as the rebels turned in disorder, set up a 
wild cheer. 

Meanwhile, Colonel Blair, hearing a rumor to 
the effect that the rebels were attempting to flank 
him, without waiting for orders, moved into the 
dense timber to the right, twice the length of hia 
line, and pushed it steadily forward. A messenger 
was sent to General Blunt to inform him of hia 
movement. At the same time. Generals Curtis and 
Blunt, both fearing this flank movement, sent orders 
to Colonel Blair to carry out the operation he had 
already commenced. The 19th Regiment, which 
had been formed and dismounted to the rear of the 



160 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

main force, was moved b}^ a road further to the 
right, and, as the militia emerged from the timber, 
formed on Colonel Blair's right. General Curtis 
himself joined this movement, encouraging the 
militia by his presence. Dodge's Battery with two 
howitzers were piloted through a narrow defile to a 
point where the guns could be admirably placed, 
by a venerable patriot of seventy-five, who was upon 
the field ready to do his humble share of the work. 
The right of the line commenced immediate demon- 
strations upon the enemy who were posted along the 
forces to their front. Skirmishers filled the field, 
poured a destructive fire from the fences and from a 
large brick house in the orchard just beyond. The 
risfht of the brio-ade was sent forward to clear the 
house. It was gallantly done. Adjutant James 
Aikens of the Bourbon county Battalion, was 
severely wounded in this movement. The left of 
the line moved forward steadily through a stubble 
field to their front. 

While the right was thus moving under the imme- 
diate eye of General Curtis, the left and centre, 
under direction of General Blunt, had also advanced. 

When our line moved, it did so rapidly, regaining 
its original position, and punishing the enemy with 
great effect. Our artillery was well served. The 
rebels fought stubbornly. Hardly had we taken 
position, when the enemy charged in column upon a 
section of McLain's, occupying the road; the 15th 
being to the right in front, with Company "E" 



ADVANCE OF OUE LINES. 161 

deployed as skirmishers, and forming the left of the 
line . Colonel Jennison rapidly rallied the skirmish- 
ers and led, in person, a charge iipon the rel^els' right 
jElank. Two squadrons of the 2d Colorado, under 
Captain Green, simultaneously formed and charged 
upon their left. The dash was irresistable. Short, 
sharp, but severe ; and when it was over the rebel 
column fled in disorder, leaving one hundred prisoners 
and a number of killed and wounded. Captain 
Curtis Johnson, commanding Company "E," 15th, 
distinguished himself greatly, both in the charge 
and a personal encounter with Colonel McGee, com- 
manding a regiment of Arkansas rebels, who was 
killed, while the Captain w^as severely w^ounded in 
the arm. 

The enemy fell back upon the road. Our lines 
were again advanced on the right of the road, 
driving the enemy at all points. Progress was, 
however, stubbornly contested, and was for a time 
but slow. We now presented a formidable appear- 
ance ; our lines having fairly debouched from the 
timber, and wdth a steady, unbroken front w^ere 
moving forward. 

The scene was superb, combining all the wdld 
picturesqueness of a battle field with (for a short 
time) the regularity of a parade. Another charge, 
made by Colonel Hoyt and Captain Thompson, with 
a portion of the 15th and 16th, carried some stone 
walls to the centre and right centre of our lines. 
The boys went at it with wild cheers. The rebels 
20 



162 AEMT OF THE BOEDEE. 

fled to the main line, wliicli yet offered a formidable 
front. The walls cleared by the charge were imme- 
diately occupied by om^ skirmishers. On the main 
road, near the line first formed at early dawn, was 
found a broken and dismounted gun. It bore the 
mark of a Texan foundry, and was evidently an 
imitation of our Parrotts. We learned afterwards 
that a shell from the section under Lieutenant Eayres 
had struck the muzzle of this gun while the charge 
was being inserted. The gunner's hand was taken 
off, the gun burst, as our shell exploded, and six 
men were killed and wounded, as also several horses. 
While the lines were thus moving, quite an excit- 
ing episode occurred to the rear, on the left of the 
road. General Blunt had turned back a short 
distance to give some orders, and while doing so the 
main body of our troo239 upon the right swept 
forward in advance. Keturning with a few members 
of his staff and orderlies, he found a howitzer, which 
had been stationed in the dooryard of a farm house, 
a little to the left of the road, and in the edge of the 
creek timber, seriously threatened by a small column 
of rebels advancing from the east. The howitzer 
was without support, but the gallant squad in charge, 
under direction of a sergeant, were most actively 
engaged in double-shotting it with canister and firing 
into the compact rebel column. The General and 
party dashed forward, and, revolvers in hand, the 
small party formed themselves to defend the gun. 
So near was the rebel force that pistol shots were 



POSITIOJSr OF OUR ARTILLERY. 163 

exchanged, wlien a portion of Company " E," 14tli 
Kansas, Lieutenant Clark commanding, acting as 
escort to tlie General, daslied np and charged the 
rebels, who fled. It was supposed this force had 
been driven and separated from the main rebel army 
by the advance of Pleasanton on the Byrom's Ford 
road, near which they deployed. The gallant 
activity of the artillerists, as well as the prompt 
dash of General Blunt, saved the guns. 

In the meanwhile we were swarming forward. 
Behind us to the right the militia still poured. The 
regiments left at Kansas City had been brought 
forward, and were now moving through the timber 
a mile to our rear. The artillery were all in position, 
and eighteen brass Parrott guns, with thirteen 
mountain howitzers, were playing briskly on the 
rebel lines, falling slowly back in admirable order 
before our advance. Lieutenant Hicks, with two 
guns of the 9th Wisconsin Battery, and one ten- 
pound Parrott of the Colored Battery, was placed 
upon the right wing ; Captain Dodge, with three 
other guns, was on the left. When the rebel column 
formed for its last charge, Captain Dodge opened on 
them with spherical case, at a distance of five 
hundred yards. McLain in the centre, had driven a 
battery of four guns from the rebel front. Lieuten- 
ant Eayre, with the right section, was then ordered 
to the 1st Brio-ade, on the risfht of the line 
road. General Blunt himself, took direction of the 
firing on the left and centre, and with Captain 



104 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

Dodge's guns following Lim, assumed position after 
position, opening on the rebel lines. Thundering 
cheers also burst along our lines, as shell after shell 
made gaps in the enemy's ranks. The gunners could 
not see the execution, for the smoke of their guns ; 
but our advancing troops watched the effect, and 
cheered tremendously as the gaps were made and 
closed. 

It would be impossible with words to paint the 
scene. The pencil could only give the figures ; but 
imagination cannot furnish memory with the vivid 
details by which to reproduce the battle scenes of 
that Sabbath morn. 

At the summit of a slight slope, amid the general 
backward movement of the enemy, a small body 
seemed determined to stand. Colonel Jennison, 
with General Blunt's body guard, and a squadron of 
the 2d Colorado, charged upon them. The rebels 
fied in disorder, not waiting to feel our sabre's edge, 
but inclining rather to trust the fleetness of their 
steeds. Some fled to the timber on the left, which 
was also occupied by the command repulsed in their 
attack on the howitzer. A detachment of the 
charging squadrons was dismounted and formed 
along a wall skirting the road to the left, and opened 
a galling fire on them. They left, soon rejoining 
the main body. 

A general charge was now ordered; Generals 
Curtis, Blunt and Deitzler leading it. The 1st Brig- 
ade was formed ; Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, with six 



DETERMINED CHARGE OF FIRST BRIGADE. 165 

companies of the 15tb, on the left of the road ; 
Colonel Jennison, with the 3rd Wisconsin Battalion, 
two companies of the 2d Colorado, one company of 
the 15th, and General Blunt's Escort, 'were rapidly 
advanced and impetuously charged. The 4th Brig- 
ade, under Colonel Ford, also formed, and charged 
simultaneously, the guns dashing well up to the 
front (McLain with two sections, finding himself 
with canister only, had advanced at the top of his 
horse's speed and took position in front) ; Dodge 
and McLain pouring in heavy charges, which told 
upon the now wavering rebel lines ; the little 
howitzers char2:in2; and firins: at the front of our 
skirmishing lines ; with the wild huzzas of the vol- 
unteer cavalry in the advance, and the thundering 
ch'^ers of the racing militia to the rear, as they came 
tearing across the fields ; while the bending and 
wavering rebel lines, falling back in partial disorder, 
formed a scene never to be forgotten by any who 
witnessed it. AVliile our artillery was taking this 
third and final position. Captain Dodge found the 
rebels were opening with a gun about nine hundred 
yards to his front, and somewhat to the right. A 
well directed solid shot from the Parrott, sighted by 
Captain Dodge, broke this piece at the first trial. 

The charge was made, and the rebels broke dis- 
ordered upon our right and centre. Again our lines 
were advanced. Everywhere in front, were seen the 
general ofi[icers, cheering and encouraging, greeted 
with the enthusiastic shouts of the men, while twice 



lOG AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

tlie rebel columns liacl broken and re-formed. Both 
lines were now deploying upon tlie open prairie, ours 
still having tlie advantage of some fields and fences. 
At this tiiiCie, a heavy column of cavalry could be 
seen emerging from the timber, and deploying about 
a mile to the east, and advancing towards the rebel 
right. Some doubts were felt as to its character, l)ut 
as the line deployed, the union guidons plainly visi- 
ble, were hailed with thundering cheers. A battery 
was opened upon the retreating rebels by this new 
foe. The enemy's right rapidly formed a new front, 
and attempted to check their advance. They made 
a vigorous charge and compelled a portion to fall 
back hastily. Again was our artillery advanced, 
pouring in a destructive fire. Again was our cavalry 
pushed forward, and the rattle of small arms was 
continuous alouo; the front. Pleasanton's brig-ades 
charged simultaneously, and the rebel rear broke 
before this onset in wild disorder, making their way 
through the Indian Creek timber, in rapid rout, scat- 
tering arms, equipments, etc., as they fled, and leav- 
ing their dead and wounded on the field. It had 
been evident for some time, that the force at our 
front was fighting only to cover the safe retreat of 
their train and main army. For miles the ground 
was strewn with the debris of a defeated and routed 
army, while the dead and wounded told the bloody 
character of the fray. Shouts that made the heavens 
ring ; a rapid trampling of hurrying squadrons ; 
dense clouds of dust moving swiftly to the South ; 



SALVATIOlsr OF ISTOPwTHEEN KANSAS. 167 

a swinging forward into column of the forces on the 
left ; the thundering of the guns dashing down the 
road ; w^hile far in the advance, the yells and cheers 
of 2")ursued and pursuers, were taken up and echoed 
by the triumphant paeans which, from the hurrying 
militia in the rear, again caught np by those at 
Westport, and travelling on the wings of the wind, 
were borne jubilantly on to Kansas City, where 
those w^ho in dread suspense had waited the welcome 
news, again made the welkin ring, and onward it iled 
to tell afar that the invaders had been defeated — the 
traitors driven backhand that the homes of 
Northern Kansas were saved from desolation. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

GEISTEEAL PLEASANTOn's OPEEATIONS ON THE 
TWENTY-TIQED. 

The night of the 2 2d found General Pleasanton's 
force in possession of Independence, and moving in 
the rear of Fagan's discomfited command towards 
Byrom's Ford, where, on the previous day, Colonel 
Jennison had resisted the advance of the rebel army. 
Clark's Brigade held the rebel rear ; while the vete- 
ran brigade, commanded by Colonel B. F. Winslow, 
4th Iowa Cavalry Volunteers (a brigade which up 
to this date had marched eight hundred miles, and 
then had not one man dismounted,) led the advance 
of the Missouri Cavalry, pushing the enemy until 
half-past ten P. M., and bivouacking three miles from 
the Blue. General McNeil, whose darino- and ac- 
tivity were mainly instrumental in driving the enemy 
from Independence, moved at midnight upon the 
Hickman's Mills road, with orders to reach the 
junction of the Independence with the State Line 
road at Little Santa Fe. 



AEEEST AISTD ACQUITTAL OF GENEEAL BEOWN. 169 

Brigadier-General E. B. Brown was ordered for 
ward to relieve Colonel AVinslow and open tlie attack 
at tlie morning's earliest hour. At five A. M., troops 
commenced moving. General Brown liad been 
directed to attack the enemy vigorously, as he would 
be supported. From some cause, the attack was not 
made as anticipated, and General Pleasanton riding 
to the front, relieved General Brown, placed him 
under arrest, and directed Colonel J. F. Phillips, 'Jib. 
M. S. M., to take command ; Lieutenant-Colonel 
Crittenden assuming command of the 'Tth." General 
Sanborn was ordered to support the advance. 
Colonel Wiuslow, by request of General Pleasanton, 
assumed direction of the advanced movements. The 
enemy were posted in strong force on the west side 
of the stream ; the ford and approaches being 
obstructed by Colonel Jennison's defences, materi- 
ally strengthened by the rebels when they occupied 
his position. Their line was formed in force about a 

half mile from the stream. Bearing upon the ford, 
a heavy gun was planted, by which our line, as it 

formed and advanced was seriously annoyed, and 
quite a number killed and wounded. 

One battalion of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, under 
command of Captain Dee, one hundred men of the 
4th Missouri Cavalry, and the 7th M. S. M., com- 
manded by Lieutenant- Colonel Crittenden, were 

* General Brown was afterwards tried at St. Louis by a Court Martial, 
under charges preferred by General Pleasanton, for his conduct on this 
occasion, but was honorably acquitted of all failure to do his duty. 

21 



IVO AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

dismounted and formed on tlie banks of the river. 
The firing opened sharp and effective. The 4th M. 
S. M., Major G. W. Kelly commanding, and the 1st 
M. S. M. Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
B. F. Lazear, were formed in column, directed to 
cross and charge the enemy beyond the ford. This 
order was executed in the face of the galling rebel 
fire and despite the obstacles in the creek. A num- 
ber of men and horses were killed and wounded in 
the stream. Nothing daunted, our troops resolutely 
pushed forward and gained the Avest bank. In the 
meanwhile, the Hh M. S. M. crossed, bearing to the 
right. A furious engagement commenced. Major 
Kelly forming in the rear of Colonel Crittenden, the 
latter swung his lines quickly to the left of the road, 
while Major Kelly made a similar movement to the 
right. The rebel line was driven back for two 
hundred yards. They then occupied a range of low 
hills, extending through an open field to the left, and 
along a bluff covered with dense wood on our right. 
It was strengthened very much by high fences and 
some log buildings, behind which the rebels were 
posted. 

The 4th Missouri State Militia dismounted and 
formed on the right ; the 7th also dismounted, with 
a battalion of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, while Colonel 
Phillips took command of the 1st M. S. M., with 
intent to charge. 

The character of the ground was such as to render 
cavalry movements difficult, and utterly preclude any 



VIGOEOUS ATTEMPTS TO DEIVE TIIE EISTEMY. I7l 

formation but that of a column of fours. Twice the 
effort to charge was gallantly made. Twice it failed. 
The storm of shot and shell howled down that 
declivity from the armed lines along the brow, 
sweeping the road and insuring the destruction of 
horse and rider bold enough to attempt the ascent. 
The 1st Regiment dismounted, and the Brigade of 
Colonel Phillips advanced together, supported by 
part of Colonel Winslow's command. General San- 
born's were moving across the ford at this time ; one 
regiment, the 2d Arkansas Cavalry, Colonel Phelps, 
Juu., being already engaged. To drive the enemy 
from his formidable j^osition, became an absolute 
necessity. A charge was ordered and made. When 
"within one hundred yards of the rebel line, our 
troops gave way in disorder, unable to stand the 
terrible fire. By direction of Colonel Winslow, one 
reo-iment had been held in reserve. Here the 
officers, Colonels Phillips, Winslow,. Lazear, etc., 
rallied their repulsed but not disheartened men, gal- 
lantly exposing themselves in this duty to the 
scathino; fire from the fences. Colonel Winslow's 
veterans were brought up and formed. Again l^oth 
brio-ades charo;ed. The movement was successful, 
though the enemy's lines were stubbornly held until 
the troops met, and the contest became an hand to 
hand one. Across the field, for one hundred and 
sixty yards, our troops pushed steadily. They liter- 
ally moved in face of a shower of lead. Sharp- 
shooters occupied the tree-tops, singling out th« 



172 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

officers witli fatal effect ; Col. Winslow being struck 
in the left leg. A number of line officers were shot. 
Captain Blair, of the 4tli M. S. M., fell mortally 
wounded. Van Sickle, Hamilton, Dale, Bryson, 
Barkley, Christian, Combs and Milner, of Brown's 
Brigade, fell beneath this leaden tempest. 

The movement was pressed with increased vigor, 
the enemy driven from their shelter, and as they fell 
back to the timber, were followed and driven still 
further west in great confusion, leaving their dead 
and wounded, with a number of prisoners in our 
hands. Just as they turned to move off, a rifle ball 
struck Colonel Winslow, and though the latter kept 
his saddle for over a mile in the pursuit, the com- 
mand of his brigade devolved upon the young and 
gallant Lieutenant-Colonel F. T. Benteen, Command- 
ing the 10th Missouri Cavalry. By his direction, 
t-he 3rd Iowa Cavalry, under Major B. S. Jones, 
were dismounted and ]3ushed forward. At the log 
houses already spoken of, were found about two 
hundred men of Brown's Brigade, who were shelter- 
ing themselves in disorder from a very hot fire the 
enemy were pouring on them from the woods at the 
western edge of the field. 

They were urged into the open, and with the dis- 
mounted men of the veteran brigade, advanced 
across the open field at ih.e double-quick to the woods 
beyond. The enemy resisted the advance with 
great gallantry. We pushed through the timber to 
the prairie. Here were some guns in position play- 



HALTING OF OUR TROOPS. 173 

ing furiously on our advance, wliicli moved so rapidly 
as to induce the rebel commander to withdraw all 
artillery and cavalry across the prairie, beyond the 
reach of our own guns now opening on them. The 
4th Iowa Cavalry was on the skirmish line. 

Our advance rested here for a short time — the 
enemy having temporarily passed out of range — long 
enough for the three brigades to concentrate, Gen- 
eral Sanborn being on the left, Phillips in the centre, 
and Winslow on the right. Our loss, owing to the 
shelter afforded by the timber, w^as not as great as 
might have been expected for the stubborn resist- 
ance encountered, and the formidable position held 
by the enemy. Two hundred killed and wounded, 
will cover it. The fio-htino; had lasted for several 
hours, and it was noon as we mounted again and 
moved across the prairie, forming a line nearly at 
right angles with the army of General Curtis, then 
most actively pressing the enemy about three miles 
further north and west. 

Colonel Benteen soon after moved into a corn field, 
with the intention of feeding his exhausted animals. 
It became evident, in a very few minutes, that a 
battle was rao-ino; at the front. Our line of march 
had been to the south-west, and the enemy was 
driven beyond the Harrisonville road. 

General Sanborn had followed and driven the 
rebel rear across the prairie, and as he now came in 
full, sight of the battle-field of Westport, with all its 
active scenes, he re-formed his brigade, and moved 



174 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

against tlie front which Price's army had formed to 
meet him. They opened a galling artillery lii'e 
which was responded to by Colonel Cole, with Thur- 
ber's Battery. A charge was made by the rebels, 
which shook the right of Sanborn's Brigade, and 
drove in a portion with considerable confusion. 
Our guns were double shotted, and soon checked the 
desperate onset. They were fighting for the purpose 
of withdrawine: from the field in somethino; like 
order. In this they succeeded, though at great loss. 
Generals Curtis and Blunt had seen this advance, 
and with their whole line were rapidJy driving in 
the rebel front opposed to them, doubling it upon 
their ri^rht flank, which had faced south and north 
just east of the line road, to meet Pleasanton. 
Twenty rifled guns opened along the entire line, and 
making great gaps, drove the enemy in confusion. 
Colonel Benteen, who had seen Sanborn charged, 
and the slight confusion produced by it, w^as moving 
forward. He swung his leading regiment — 10th 
Missouri Cavalry — into line to the left, and ordered 
them to make a counter charge, which was done in 
splendid style. The whole command joined in the 
rapid and successful movement ; the enemy fled, 
and the two gallant but wearied armies met upon 
the State line road, pressing forward in pursuit. As 
they swung into column Generals Pleasanton and 
Blunt met, hurriedly exchanged congratulations, 
and pressed forward to Indian Creek, where they, 
with General Curtis, Generals Deitzler and Fishback, 



COURAGE AND ACTIVITY OF MAJOR MOKENNY. 175 

Governor Carney, General Sanborn, General Lane, 
and the principal officers with both armies, and 
citizens who had participated in the battle, stopped 
at a farm house for consultation and refreshment. 

The pursuit of the retreating rebels was main- 
tained by Colonel Jennison with the 1st Brigade, 
and a battalion of the 2d Colorado, Captain Green, 
who kept fearlessly on their heels for ten miles, 
skirmishino; to the crossinsf of the Blue four miles 
beyond Little Santa Fe, where just at sundown a 
stand was made by General Fagan, who opened on 
our daring troopers with three rifled guns, and 
compelled them to desist from further pursuit. In 
this charge Major McKenny, and Colonels Crawford 
and Cloud of Gen. Curtis' staff, were most active. 
Colonel Jennison, in his published report, says of 
the former : " During the pursuit I was accompanied 
" by Major McKenny, of General Curtis' staif, who 
" is entitled to special mention for assistance rendered 
" here and elsewhere, as well as for his assured and 
" courageous bearing upon the field," A consulta- 
tion was held at Indian Creek. General Pleasanton 
suggested a movement by his division on the 
Harrisonville road, urging the exhausted condition 
of his men and animals, — most of the men had been 
constantly in the saddle for thirty days ; as also the 
necessity of the Missouri troo2:)S being at their 
several posts in time for the ensuing Presidential 
election. General Deitzler and Governoi Carney 
urged with great force that the militia of Northern 



176 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Kansas be relieved, and presenting the fact of their 
condition in the field without proper equipments, <fec., 
with the necessities of their families and business 
pressing upon them, as reasons for the step. Generals 
Curtis and Blunt both coincided in this view, in 
whicli General Pleasanton acquiesced. General 
Curtis knowing the danger in which Southern 
Kansas and the posts along the line were placed, as 
well as the insufficiency of his own force to 
effectually check the enemy, desired that no deflec- 
tion should be made from the direct line of march 
pursued by the enemy. It was finally determined 
to move to Santa Fe the same evening, and then 
follow the retreating foe with the combined Volun- 
teers of Kansas and Missouri, and the brigade of 
militia from Southern Kansas under General Fish- 
back and Colonel Blair. In accordance with this 
programme the following order was issued : 

Head-Quakters in the Field, ) 
On Indian Ckeek. [ 
General Field Order, ) 

No. i 

So much of General Order No. 54, Head-Quarters 
Department of Kansas, as proclaims martial law in North- 
ern Kansas is hereby revoked. 

The enemy are repelled and driven sonth. Onr success 
is beyond all anticipation. The General commanding 
delights to relieve the people North of the Kaw from the 
burden. 

By order of Major General Curtis, 

C. S. Charlot, Major and Chief of Staff. 

In the meanwhile the whole army moved to Little 
Santa. Fe, at which place, shortly after dark, they 




/ // 



/■a 



^?i.^c^^ 



\ 



EXTRACT FROM GE^^ERAL M^IN^EIl's REPORT. 177 

camped for the niglit. The 4th Brigade, Militia, 

and the 19th Kansas State Militia continued their 

march, the bahuice of the militia returning to 

Kansas City, whence they moved homewards under 

the supervision of Governor Carney and their 

officers. At Little Santa Fe our troops succeeded in 

obtaining some needed rest, food and forage ; most 

of the animals being now fed for the first time since 

leaving the Big Blue. 

From General McNeil's published report we give 

his movements on this eventful Sabbath. General 

Pleasanton severely criticised the action of McNeil, 

who was afterwards tried on charges made by his 

commander, and like General Brown, was fully and 

honorably acquitted of all blame. (See Appendix : 

Sketch of General McNeil. 

At 4 o'clock A. M., ( October 23r<:l, I flanked a large camp 
on the opposite side of the Bhie, and near the Byroni Ford. 
1 ascertained it to be the enemy. I sent a detachment of 
the 2d Missouri Cavalry (Merrill's Horse) to the ford, and 
haked to feed liorses, having marched two days and nearly 
two nights without forage. At daybreak a heavy fire 
commenced on my right and in tlie direction of Westport. 
I moved on towards Hickinan''s Mills, expecting to be able 
to strike Price's flank, moving cautiously about four miles. 
Firing had ceased for some time, when suddenly I found 
myself in contact with the entire force of the enemy. 1 at 
once formed my brigade in line, advanced my skirmishers, 
and opened on their column with a section of Captain Mont- 
gomery's Battery (three-inch Hodman rifles). The enemy 
had formed their line of three lines deep, and actually sur- 
rounded me on three sides. My skirmishers (7th Kansas 
and Merrill's Horse) most gallatitly pressed up to the main 
line of the enemy's centi-e. In the meantime he had 
placed batteries in tliree dift'erent locations, and opened a 
well-directed cross-fire upon Montgomery. 1 was conse- 
quently compelled to move him some four hundred yards 



178 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

to the left, recall my skinnisli line, and occupy the new 
position. I determined to hold this position at all hazards, 
in hope that the remaining brigades would come np. 
Towards night the enemy retired, leaving about forty of 
their dead on the field. In the morning (October l24:th) 
I pushed on their trail, passing between Hicknuxn's Mills 
and Little Santa Fe, where I then learned that the other 
brigades were pushed on, and met them about twelve miles 
from Santa Fe, where our lines of march intersected. 

Major S. S. Curtis, who, wdtli Captain Kingsbury's 
Company 2d Colorado, liad been sent by General 
Curtis to Independence, to communicate with Gene- 
ral Pleasanton, overtook General McNeil while this 
artillery duel was progressing, and corrol >orates the 
amount of force ao;ainst Avhicli McNeil's had to 
contend. As the battle of Westport was fought by 
the Divisions of Shelby and Fagan, it follows that 
Marmaduke's Division and the new one formed by 
Pri<3e from his conscripts and recruits, were with 
the train encountered by General McNeil. All data 
concur m making the rebel army at this time as 
about 30,000. General McNeil had about 1,800 
men. The rebel train was guarded by about 15,000, 
countinof Marmaduke's Division. 

While our victorious troops were driving the 
rebels southwards, Colonel Moonlight with the 2d 
Brigade and a portion of the 12tli K. S. M., was 
moving down the line, watching, hawk-like, the 
enemy's march, and ready to swoop upon any 
detached parties, or resist the main column should 
it cross into Kansas. Colonel Burris accompanied 
the column. All the splendid hours of that battle- 



INCIDElSiTS OF THE BATTLE-FIELD. l79 

morn, until the snn dipped far down the meridian, 
these gallant troops stood at Shawnee Mission, 
listening to the cannon's sullen boom, the feinter 
rattle of small arms, and the mingling sound which 
marked the sway and sense of the struggle. Debarred 
from direct participation in the glory of its passing 
phases, they yet well esteemed the important trust 
delegated to them and their commander. How well 
it was performed, these pages tell. A small rebel 
force had crossed the line in falling back from the 
battle. But Moonlight was on their trail. At 
Little Santa Fe, Captain Huutoon, with Company 
"H," 11th Kansas, being in the advance, struck the 
rear and drove it across the line out of Kansas. The 
brigade pushed on to Aubrey, and rested till towards 
morning of the 25th. So lay our forces. The main 
body near the village of Santa Fe, the 2d Brigade 
about six miles south, while General McNeil was 
about four miles to the south-east. The rear of the 
rebel army camped a little east of Aubrey. 

The editor of the Kansas Citj tTournal of Com- 
merce thus graphically describes some incidents and 
scenes on the battle-field : 

" The battle-field exliibited evidences of the fiercest con- 
test. The enemy had fled in such haste, that he had been 
forced to leave his dead and many of his severely wonnded. 
In the iield next to the lane, on this side of Wernel's 
liouse, there were seven dead rebels l,yii*g: side by side, 
and near them an officer, said to be Colonel McGee ; aronnd 
the latter the rebels had built a little pen of rails. A 
little further on, we saw a dead rebel lying stiff" and stark 
by the road-side, shot through the liead. Still farther 
on were the remains of a rebel cannon, broken to pieces 



180 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

by a shot from one of our guns. Striking; the open prairie 
beyond WerneFs, the evidences of the tight were visible 
all about — dead horses, saddles, blankets, broken guns and 
dead rebels. A little distance from the forks of the road, 
on the Harrisonville road, lay a dead rebel, the top of his 
head shot off by a cannon ball. He was the very image of 
a bushwhacker, and had on three pairs of pantaloons. On 
one of his lingers was a large gold ring. One of our 
soldiers tried to take it otf, but the hnger was so swollen 
that it would' not come off, and he left it and passed on. 
Another dead rebel we saw in this part of the held. He 
was clothed in a fine suit of new clothes, evidently the 
plunder of some store or house. On the prairie our shells 
seemed to have done the main execution. About three 
miles out was a rebel shot through the bowels, and left by 
his companions by the roadside to die. At a house by the 
road was one shot through the neck — a mortal wound. 
Early in the day the rebels took possession of Mr. Wernel's 
house for a hospital. Here they left about a dozen, too 
severely wounded to be moved, and three soldiers to take 
care of them. We interrogated some of these men, and 
they all were members of Dobbin's brigade of Ai-kansas 
troops With one exception, of those we conversed with, 
they claimed to have been forced into the service ; one, a 
boy of eighteen, said he volunteered rather than be con- 
scripted. The most of those wounded will die, being shot 
through the body. The less severely wounded were 
removed last night to Westport, and are receiving the 
same attentions as our wounded. 

Quite a haul of prisoners was made during the day. 
Some forty or fifty of them were marshalled in line just at 
night as we came through Westport, and started off under 
guard for this place. Many of them were mere boys from 
sixteen to nineteen years old. Some of them had a bush- 
whacker look, while some of them looked like " good quiet 
farmers," who had lately joined the expedition for plunder. 
One of them remarked that they "had got the joke on Old 
Pap this time, as they would surely beat him into Kansas 
City." Another remarked that " He wished Old Pap was 
along with them." 

One thing was to be remarked of all the rebels we saw 
— dead or alive — the stolid, ignorant, degraded appearance 
of the whole of them. They seem to belong to a different 



THE WOimDED CAEED FOR. 181 

race from ours, and most certainly an inferior one. In 
truth, this war is one of intelligence, enlightened and 
Christian civilization against barbarism. These miserable, 
degraded, hungry wretches, on their errand of plunder and 
devastaticcn to our peaceful homes, are lit represeniatives of 
the half civilized power that is endeavoring to overthrow 
republican institutions on this continent. 

Woe would have betided the homes of this hated city had 
these wretches made good their entrance here. That they 
did not, we owe, under the good Providence of God, to the 
brave Kansas boys who helped us beat the invader back. 
We should certainly have been overpowered had they not 
crossed the line and helped to light tlieir own as well as our 
battle on Missouri soil. 

Our wounded, as well as those of the rebel army 
left on the field, had been carefully and promptly 
attended to, under the direction of Suro;eon S. B 
Davis, Division Medical Director, who by General 
Curtis had been announced as Medical Director of 
the army. He was present at Lexington and at the 
Little Blue. At Independence, a hospital was 
organized and placed under charge of Surgeon S. P. 
Earickson, IGtb K. V. C. Thirty-one of the most 
seriously w^ounded w^ere left in the to^vn, and were 
retaken by General McNeil. Arrangements were 
made at Kansas City for ample hospital accommoda- 
tions. The severely wounded on the 22d, at Byrom's 
Ford, Hickman's Mill Crossing, and on the State 
line, were left on the field. On the morning of the 
23rd, Surgeon Davis, with Surgeon Philip Harvey, 
U. S. v., and the various regimental surgeons, w^ere 
efficiently engaged with organizing an ambulance 
corps. The regimental Chaplains were all active 
and very efficient. Surgeon Davis, with ambulances, 



182 ARMY OF THE BORDEU. 

proceeded to the front for tlie purpose of gathering 
the wounded of the previous day, but as the battle 
had commenced, this became impossible. Major 
Davis remained at the front, rendering efficient 
service as Aide, until the final charge was made. 
The field was then searched, and all the wounded 
removed. A number too seriously injured were 
arranged in a temporary hospital at Westport, to 
which a number of o-allaut members of the 2d 
Regiment K. S. M., who had remained on the field 
from the 2 2d unattended, were removed. Assistant 
Surgeon Graham, 13th K. Y. I. (who, being on 
furlough, had volunteered his services), was placed 
in charge. The steamer " Tom Morgan " was sent 
to Independence, and all the rebel and wounded of 
Kansas regiments removed. Surgeon Harvey was 
placed in general charge of all the field hospitals 
now established, and on the 24th Surgeon Davis 
started to rejoin the arm}^ Surgeons Pollock, 2d 
Colorado, and Ainsworth, 11th Kansas, and Assist- 
ant Surgeons Vance and Aikens, 2d Colorado Volun- 
teers, had preceded him. 



CHAPTER Xy. 

PdRSUIT OF PEICE DOWN THE STATE LINE. 

At sunrise of tlie 24tli, tlie troops now comprising 
tlie Army of tlie Border were on tlie marcli. The 
rear of Price's Army liad encamped eiglit or ten miles 
to tlie south. The advance, with their immense 
train and im|)erfectly armed division of consci'ipts, 
volunteers and bushwhackers, under a Brigadier- 
General T}der, the prisoners and Provost Guard, and 
the division under Marmaduke, was at least hve miles 
further. The rebel army moved with great celerity, 
being all mounted. It marched, as appeared from 
its broad and massively marked trails, in two 
columns of com2:)anies, one on each side of the 
Prairie road, with artillery, etc., in the centre. 

The 1st Division was under Major-Genei-al James 
G. Blunt, and consisted of the volunteers of the 
department of Kansas (except Moonlight's Brigade) 
and the militia from Southern Kansas — the re2:ion 
now threatened. The composition of the 2d Division, 
under Major-General Alfred Pleasantou, has already 



184 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

been given. Its brigades were led by efficient 
officers. 

The commanding General was accompanied by 
Company " G," 1 1th Kansas Cavalry, under Lieu- 
tenant Gill, and a detachment of the veteran :2d 
Kansas Cavalry (about one hundred and fifty), under 
Major Henry Hopkins, with four howitzers under 
Sergeant Sloonacker. The 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 
Colonel Thomas Moonlight, consisting of the 11th 
Kansas, under Lieutenant Colonel Plumb, and a 
detachment of the 5th, under Captain Young, with 
four howitzers, about TOO men, were detached, 
watching the rebel right flank. 

The force now in direct pursuit of Price was 
about 10,000 men, with three field batteries, and 
two of mountain howitzers. General Rosecrans left 
Independence the same morning that the cavalry 
marched from Little Santa Fe. The infantry 
division, under Major-General A. J. Smith, fi'om In- 
dependence had marched towards Harrisonville, 
north-west, l)ut too far east to be of service against 
Price. 

As the camp broke, the 1st Division took the lead; 
the 4th Brigade, Colonel Ford, being in advance. 
Three squadrons of the 2d Colorado formed the 
advance, which was commanded l)y Captain E. W. 
Kingsbury. 

Nothing of importance occurred during the march 
except the capture of several stragglers and a 
number of exhausted rebels who were abandoned by 



MARKS OF THE REBEL EETEEAT. 185 

their comrades. At the crossing of the Big Blue, 
was to be seen the marks of Colonel Jennison's 
presence in stark forms of several bushwhacking 
looking individuals, who had met their fate during 
the nio;ht. Amono- these was one clothed in a 
Federal uniform, who, in obedience to general orders, 
was hung as a spy. 

Tlie day waned, the march continued with 
unaljated vigor, and the road was more thickly 
strewed with the debris of a retreating foe. Hun- 
dreds of broken down and abandoned animals could 
be seen feeldy grazing along our line of march. 
Broken wagons, and, al)out noon, the limber and 
caisson of a twenty-four-pound howitzer, captured on 
the 2 2d from General M. S. Grant, near the Moccabee 
farm, were found on the road. The rebel rear kept 
well in advance, and a dense moving column of dust 
some miles to the south alone told of their presence. 
Occasionally small parties might be seen moving 
from the riirht in the direction of the main column. 
As the afternoon waned, evidences of the haste with 
which the rebels pressed forward were visible on all 
hands. Large droves of foot-sore cattle were now 
found, as well as many sick men lying by the road 
side. 

The country through which the march extended 
was entirely deserted. So far, the main body of 
neither army had entered Kansas. The State line 
road runs about a mile from the east border of 
Kansas. As the troops marched through the hours 
9.q 



186 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

of that pleasant October day, tlie western prairies 
were eagerly scanned by those wlio hourly expected 
to see the wreathing smoke arising which would tell 
of the invaders' torch. But the indomitable Moon- 
light was pressing on that flank, and until darkness 
hid the pursuit, no outlying parties of marauders 
ventui'ed into the State. At Coldwater Grove, 
about fifteen miles from Santa Fe, the 2d Brigade 
struck the rebel centre, and skirmished with it for 
some time. The movement was a bold one, and 
entirely successful in creating a panic sufficient to 
induce the rebel commanders to keep their force well 
in hand and move steadily south. Seeing that they 
must camp on the Marias des Cygnes, where the 
road to Fort Scott deflects from the Line road. 
Colonel Moonlight moved rapidly towards Mound 
City, which was threatened by this route. 

The border of Missouri, through which ■ both 
armies were passing, was entirely desolate ; not with 
the grand monotony of nature, but with the ruin of 
civilization and cultivation. Desolation most abso- 
lute and appalling ; for it told of the savage devasta- 
tion of partizan warfare, and of the fearful retribution 
the passions of men had inflicted. The .condition of 
the Missouri border affords a vivid illustration of the 
solemn warning of the sacred writer : "It must needs 
be that offences come ; but woe unto him by whom 
offences cometh." The outrages inflicted upon the 
Free State settlers of Kansas by citizens of Missouri, 
for and in behalf of human slavery, were fearfully 



"jennison's tombstokes/' 187 

balanced by tlie woe wliicli liad lighted upon tlieir 
land. 

Dui'ing tlie fifty miles of this marcli not an inhabi- 
tant was to be seen. Where they had lived was 
marked by the charred remains of consumed 
dwellings, the only standing parts of which were 
brick chimneys, built according to Southern 
fashion, on the house's exterior. These are familiarly 
known as "Jennison's Tombstones," from the fact 
that that partizan, in his campaign of lSGl-2, burnt 
the houses in all districts infested by bushwliackers. 
Long lines of grey ashes told where fences had stood ; 
^\'hile rank crops of unsightly weeds marked where 
cultivation had once smiled. It Avas a fair land to 
look upon. Broad, swelling prairies stretching east 
and west ; well-defined water courses, with dark 
masses of wood robed in autumnal glory, all com- 
l:)ined to make a bright picture of pastoral beauty. 
Yet it was desolate and dreary, and in spite of the 
natural advantages, there rested over all a sense of 
brooding; horror. 

At sundown the column halted at AVestpoint, a 
deserted and half burnt village upon the State line, 
about forty miles north of Fort Scott. At this 
place the evidences of gaining upon the rebel march 
were more apparent. 

Darkness came on. The troops of the 1st Division 
made such preparations for refreshing themselves as 
their scant means allowed. The crimson light of 
many fires gleamed through the gray night mist. 



188 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Some of the cattle abandoned by the rebels were 
slaughtered, and the fresh beef, roasted on sticks over 
blazing lires, was eagerly eaten by hungry soldiers, 
in most instances without salt or bread. Thus they 
rested. The clouds grew darker and a heavy mist 
began to fall. 

In the meanwhile impending operations were of 
course the subject of discussion between the Generals. 
It was evident that the retreating rebels could not 
march further that night. They had traveled sixty 
miles without rest. Eight miles to the south was the 
Marais des Cygnes*"^' river, at the Trading Post cross- 
ing of which the rebels would probably encamp. They 
had left the Line road near this place (Westpoint), 
and were then in Kansas. The Trading Post, a 
small hamlet on the south side of the stream, was 
about two miles west of the line, and was surrounded 
by a populous farming settlement. During the 
previous summer a company of the 15th Kansas had 
been stationed there. A large quantity of hay 
belouo-ins: to the Government was stacked there. 
The stream is wide ; the Ford has steep banks ; the 
timber dense and broad, and the approach from the 
north easily defended from two mounds, between 
which the road passes. 

General Blunt urged that army pass to the west, 
crossing by a ford four miles above, and thus flank- 
ing the enemy, l^e placed right in its path, compel- 

* Swamp of the Swans. 



FURY OF THE EEBELS. 189 

ling Price to figlit or surrender. This movement was 
urged witli great pertinacity, but was finally rejected 
by General Curtis, as involving an additional march 
of fifteen miles without the certainty that the rebel 
army would not move so easily and rapid as to 
render it of no avail. He therefore determined that 
the pursuit be followed on the same line, directing 
that General Pleasanton's Division now take the 
right for a night march. Over two hours were 
consumed in this change. General Sanl)orn took 
command of the advance, with his own and Phillips' 
brigade ; Colonel Gravelley, 8th M. S. M., having 
the front. 

While this change was progressing, and the weary 
1st Division were taking advantage thereof to rest 
as well as they could, Captain Kingsbury, with his 
battalion of Colorado Cavalry, unacquainted with 
the new order, had pressed close upon the rebel rear, 
which he struck about four miles from Westpoint. 

The malignant fury of the rebel invader was now 
apparent. They had entered Kansas. The first 
house across the line was the scene of a dastardly 
murder. iVn old, gray-haired minister of the Gos|)el 
lay dead, with white locks reddened by his own 
Ijlood. The woman and children were frantic and 
crazed with terror and grief. The fence and out- 
house were burniuo;. The interior of the cabin 
presented a woe-begone appearance. A perfect 
saturnalia of destruction seemed to have reigned. 
Everything not portable had been broken. On the 



190 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

floor were black and charred marks, where fire liad 
been set. The frightened inmates were stripped of 
nearly every article of clothing on their persons or 
in the cabin ; and to crown the brutality, in very 
wantonness, the ruffians had shot one of their 
exhausted horses and tumbled it into the spring, in 
order to make the water useless. Such was the first 
scene witnessed by those of our officers who had 
pressed on behind the advance. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Y/heeler, 13th Kansas, Captain Young, 5th Kansas, 
and Captain Hiuton, A. D. C. to General Blunt, 
all rendered the bereaved woman what assistance 
and consolation they could. 

The latter moved on to overtake Captain Kings- 
bury. At every dwelling the scene thus described 
was repeated. Fortunately the men had fled or were 
in the militia regiments halted at Westpoint. Night 
had fallen, darkness and rain set in, and a cover 
afforded for marauding which was freely used. This 
portion of Kansas (Linn county) is the section whicli 
suffered most under the rebel march. A \vriter in 
the Border Sentinel thus describes the condition of 
the county, and some of the brutalities practiced : 

" Along the line of retreat of the rebel army every house 
witlnn reach of the main body or flankers was robbed of 
everything it contained. All kinds pf clothing were taken ; 
even the flannel was in some instances taken from infants. 
Every morsel of food, cooked and uncooked, was consumed, 
destroyed or taken along ; and all the stock that could be 
led or driven was taken ; in fact, everything valuable and 
not valuable was taken ; so that those men and families 



INSTANCES OF EEBEL BRUTALITY. 191 

whose hard fate it was to be in the way, are left stripped of 
every comfort and necessary of Hfe. * * " * 
"The retreat of the rebel army is marked not only by 
robbery and desolation of the wildest kind, but the fiends 
were not content with that. Six miles north of the Trad- 
ing Post they murdered Samuel A. Long, aged lifty-six 
years ; he was previously robbed of his 'money. Three 
miles north of the Trading Post, John Williams, a 
preacher, aged sixty years, was indecently mutilated and 
then hung. Five miles north of the Post, Richard B. 
Vernon was murdered ; and in the vicinity of the Post, 
John Miller, aged sixty-live years, was killed. Many other 
citizens, all unarmed, as these were, were shot at." 

Another writer in the Leavenwortli Times gives 
his testimony : 

" The rebels sustained their well-earned reputation tor 
savage brutality, wdiich had previously secured for them 
an infamous place in history. Seven or eight men, aged 
and unarmed, were murdered near Trading Post. In an 
extent of six miles wide through which the army passed in 
Linn county, every house was plundered of ail kinds of 
provisions, blankets, clothing and all articles, valual>le or 
worthless, that could l)e carried oil". Even the flannel was 
taken from infants, in two instances that have come to my 
knowledge ; and two young ladies were stripped of every 
article of clothing except one under-garment to each. A 
woman who was holding a sick baby had the shawl rudely 
torn from about it. Only one house was burned in this 
county (Mr. Dowd's store, at Trading Post) and it is said 
that Price had the man shot who did that." 

During the day dispatches had been sent by 
General Curtis to Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, I'Ttli 
Kansas, commanding at Paola, after our columns 
were soutb of that place, informing liim that his 
post was no longer in danger, and directing that he 
render all possible assistance to reinforcing Mound 
City and Fort Scott. Dispatches were also sent to 



192 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

Fort Scott, and at sundown to Colonel Moonlight at 
Mound City, directing him to press forward to the 
former post at all speed, holding it at all hazards 
until our army reinforced him. The messenger 
(citizen) sent with this dispatch failed to get through, 
liaving been driven back by rebel scouts, and was 
met several miles fi'om Westpoint by Captain 
Hinton, who sent him to try again, accompanied by 
a meml)er of the 15tli Kansas, whose family lived in 
the vicinity, and who knew the country thoroughly. 
They succeeded in reaching Colonel Moonlight 
during the night. 

Mound City, the county seat of Linn, was eleven 
miles west of the Trading Post, which the rebel 
advance reached at four P. M. Messengei-s were 
sent to warn Captain Greer, Company "I," 15th 
Xansas, who with eighty men of that regiment and 
three companies of militia, exempts and negroes, was 
holding the place, A detachment, about six hun- 
dred strono;, was seen movins: in that direction. 
This was believed to be a bushwdiacking force, until 
scouts brought intelligence which proved beyond 
cavil that it belonged to the rebel army. 

Every precaution and preparation was made by 
Captain Greer. His small force was posted so as to 
command the apprc>aches. The Government stores 
were loaded for removal. Information was sent to 
Fort Scott south and to Paola north of the rebel 
approach. About this time a dispatch was received 
from Colonel Moonlight, who was pressing vigorously 



SKIEMISHING AT TEADESTG POST. 193 

on to relieve this j)lace. Scouting parties were sent 
out, one of whom encountered a rebel picket six 
miles from town. Intelligence was received from 
Colonel Drake. He was on the march with part of 
the 17th Kansas. The 11th K. S. M., Colonel 
Mitchell, had joined Colonel Moonlight. The 19th, 
Colonel,^ F. W. Potter, was at Paola. About mid- 
night Colonel Moonlight reached Mound City, 
having marched sixty-fiv^e miles without food or 
forage. 

At the Trading Post was encamped the rebel 
army. Captain Kingsbury attacked and drove in 
their pickets about eight P. M., immediately sending 
back messengers to General Blunt, supposed to be 
close behind. He continued skirmishing slightly 
for two hours, until relieved by Colonel Gravelley, 
and ordered to withdraw from the advance by 
General Sanborn. 

The advance of Pleasanton's Division reached the 
vicinity of the mounds, occupied strongly by the 
rebel outposts, about 10 A. M. Finding the rebels 
in force (as General Sanborn believed), and not 
knowing the topography, by his orders, Colonel 
Gravelley withdrew our pickets about half a mile, 
and the troops were ordered to rest. Sanborn estab- 
lished his head-quarters at the house of Elder 
Williams, three miles ^lorth of the Trading Post. 
The country hereabouts being enclosed, the 1st Divi- 
sion was halted three miles further to the rear, on the 
open prairie, unable to reach the fields where forage 
24 



194 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

and fuel could be obtained. For hours Colonel 
Blair's Militia Brigade, still further in tlie rear, stood 
by their horses, having no orders to rest, without fire 
to dry their drenched garments, and without food. 
About midnight some fires were lighted, but they 
were shortly extinguished, under apprehension that 
our position would be seen through them. 

General Curtis, whose object was to press the foe, 
at least keep him aroused and in a state of activity, 
so as to complete the breaking down of his forces 
from exhaustion, finding the column halted, and no 
sound of conflict to be heard, sent Majors Weed, 
McKenny and Hunt, with Capt. Meeker, to General 
Sanborn, to ascertain the cause of the halt. They 
found that ofiicer in his blanket, and were informed 
that he was satisfied the enemy was in force upon 
the mounds in front, and that he could not take the 
responsibility of moving further till daylight. On 
this being communicated to General Curtis, he 
ordered that artillery be opened upon the rebel camp. 
Owing to the darkness and storm, this was not 
accomplished till near daylight. 

In the meanwhile. Major R. H. Hunt, with Captain 
E,. J. Hiuton, had moved to our picket lines, aroused 
the Colorado battalion from its bivouac, and passing 
Colonel Gravelley's quarters, informed him of their 
intention, moved out to attack, and drive in the rebel 
pickets, determining to carry the mounds under 
cover of the rain and darkness. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



ATTACK ON THE MOUND BATTLES OF MAEIAS DES 

CYGNES AND MINE CREEK. 

The Colorado boys moved cheerfully to the work 
before tliem. It was a dangerous task, the character 
of which seemed highteneed by the darkness of the 
night, and the heavy mist soon to change into a 
tempest of rain. Yet these were favorable assist- 
ants ; the rain deadened our movements, while 
darkness covered the approach. Captain Kingsbury 
believed the rebel force on the mounds compara- 
tively small, and stated his first attack had created 
alarm ; that before withdrawing, the harnessing of 
animals, the movements of wagons, and other prepa- 
rations for leaving, were most plainly audible in the 
rebel camp, which seemed to occupy a large space 
on both sides of the river. The enemy's exhausted 
state was evident from their failure to obstruct, 
as they might have done, the passage of the stream, 
the road through the timber, and the steep banks 
beyond. 



198 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

Our picket line was formed along the main road, 
and in tlie open fields about a half mile from the 
timber's edge. East of the road was a steep mound, 
with bare sides, looking to the north. West of the 
road, and a little further to the south, was one 
higher and more precipitous, covered with brush 
and trees to the summit. These afforded formidable 
points of defence, and looming through the flashing 
lightning and rifted rain-clouds, seemed more difficult 
to attain than afterwards, when daylight gave a 
correct idea of the surroundings. 

As the Colorado boys advanced. Colonel Grravelley 
(who accompanied them, having sent for his com- 
mand), Major R. H. Hunt, Capt, R. J. Hinton, Capt. 
Kingsbury, Lieut. Hubbard, Signal Officer (who with 
some of the corps had joined the movement), were 
joined by a volunteer scout of General Blunt, Marcus, 
formerly of the 10th Kansas, who some time previ- 
ously had passed our pickets and succeeded' in 
i creeping through the brush and tall grass half way 
up the" eastern mound, listening to the rebels talk, 
and ascertaining their numbers. He reported this 
mound held by about three hundred men ; that the 
force north of the stream was a brio;ade under 
General Slemmons, with three guns. 

The darkness was great, and the heavy rain 

poured down. The 2d Colorado advanced on the 

f north-west, while Colonel Gravelley's force, now 

moving up, were placed to their left. The line 

moved steadily till within a hundred yards of the 



A BRILLIANT ASSAULT. 199 

mound, when clear and sliarp througli tlie niglit rung 
tlie rebel challenge, replied to simultaneously by 
ours: " Who goes there ?" and " Who are you ?" as 
quickly answered, "Federal troops," "Confederates." 
The sound of the challenge had not died away when 
the hill-side blazed with a long; wavinj^:, flashinof line 
of lire, and the sharp ring of musketry gave forth 
rude alarm. Througli the darkness Hashed returning 
blaze. AVith varying fortune our line moved, on 
steadily up the hill, driving the rebels back. A 
small squad of Colorado men passed round the 
Avestern base and looked on the southern side of the 
mound. They were soon greeted with a l)linding 
flash, the crashing of a hundred bullets, and under 
so overwhelming a fire, fell back to the main body, 
having learned of the extent of the force stationed 
there, through the lightning and musketry flashes. 
General Sanborn had Ijeen ordered by General 
Curtis to open with artilleiy, but so far its sound was 
not heard. Colonel Gravelley dismounted and most 
gallantly led his men, in the face of a heavy Are, up 
the mound, as did Captain Kingsbury also. Major 
Hunt had returned to see to the artillery. Captain 
Hinton moved with tlie advance. Just before day 
broke, a rebel battery opened, though their shells 
overshot and did no damao-e. AVith a cheer our line 
advanced and carried the top of the mound and 
opened a brisk fire upon the rebels formed in line 
of battle in an 02:»en field just south of this mound. 



200 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

The day broke clear, and tlie welcome sound of 
our artillery was beard. The shells fell however in 
the neighborhood of the men on the mound. General 
Sanborn was movins; forward with his command. 
Major Hunt riding up, soon caused a cessation 
of the fire, and the battery was moved to a better 
position. 

From the condition of the roads through the 
heavy rain, and the passage over them of the rebel 
army, it became evident that the movements of our 
troops would necessarily be slow. General Curtis, 
with liis staff, was on horseback at the earliest dawn, 
and moved to the front. From the summit of the 
captured mound, about 2,000 rebels could be seen in 
line of battle on the edge of the timber, from a bat- 
tery in wliich, at long intervals, they sent a shell 
screaming in our dii'ectiou. After the storm of the 
night, the clouds had broken away, the sunrise lit 
the scene with splendor, and all the landscape 
glowed and twinkled. It was hailed as an omen of 
success. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen, with his brigade, by 
direction of General Sanborn, had sent one regiment 
to a ford three miles west, and the 4th Iowa Cavalry 
to report to Colonel Gravelley, and under his direc- 
tion they were directed to carr}' the mound on the 
right, which about daylight was done without 
serious opposition. 

General Pleasanton, unattended, rode to the sum- 
mit of the mound, followed by General Sanborn. 



STATE OF THE VACATED CAMP. 201 

The troops were tlieii formed in column on the road ; 
the enemy's rear guard falling back rapidly through 
the timber. Colonel Grav^elley, with the 8th and 0th 
M. S. M. (the latter commanded by Major Plumb), 
and Kingsbury's Colorado Battalion, moved towards 
the ford, followed by Colonel Phillip's advance, the 
2d Arkansas, Colonel Phelps. Major Hunt and 
Captain Hinton, reported to General Pleasanton, and 
by him were requested to assist General Sanborn as 
Aides. 

At the ford a small body of rebels were engaged 
in felling trees to obstruct the passage. • Major Hunt 
moved rapidly with a detachment of the 2d Colo- 
rado, led by Captain Kingsbury, to drive them away. 
A sharp fusilade ensued, lasting a few minutes, not 
however before the enemy had succeeded in creating 
an obstruction which was a serious cause of delay. 
AVe passed through the hastily vacated camp. Cloth- 
ing, blankets, parts of tents, camp utensils, mess 
chests, etc., all betokened the hasty evacuation. The 
picture was hideous in its filth. The dehi'is of a 
camp is never a sightly object, but the peculiar 
features thereof were enhanced by the knee deej^ 
mud, the remains of slaughtered cattle, the broken 
equipments, and the disgusting effluvia which greeted 
the nostrils. The little hamlet looked woe-begone. A. 
few women, ashen grey with terror, and half naked, 
poured blessings upon the troops as they moved 
by. In every house were found sick or wounded 
rebels. Some stragglers were captured during the 
25 ,-- 



202 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

. morning, and it is believed were hung by our troops 
in the rear. The passions aroused by the sight of 
their pillaged homes, their insulted friends, and the 
knowlecl2:e of the base murders committed on old 
and defenceless men, might afford palliation of such 
acts of summary retaliation. 

At the crossing, the advance was joined by 
Colonel S. J. Crawford, and Colonel C. W. Blair, 
Volunteer Aides-de-Camp, who had pressed forward 
to see the position of affairs. Colonel Blair, know- 
ing that his brigade. could not cross till late in the 
morning, and naturally anxious as to the fate of Fort 
Scott, which was his post and the residence of his 
family, had come to the front. General Blunt also 
joined General Curtis at the ford. 

The 2d Arkansas Cavalry were first on the south 
side, followed immediately by the Colorado Battal- 
ion. Detachments of the 5th and 8tli M. S. M. 
came next. The enemy had set fire to a couple of 
large ricks of hay and some abandoned wagons in a 
field to our front, and beyond the smoke could be 
seen moving columns. 

Emerging from the timber a body of men Avere 
seen drawn up in line of battle, about half a mile 
distant, and in front of a farm house. It was at first 
doubted whether these might not be a portion of our 
own force who had crossed below the main ford. 
Colonel Blair assured Colonel Phelps that such could 
not be the case, and also called his attention to the 



SKIEMISHEES DRIVEN^ IIST. 203 

fact, tliat no guidons were displayed by tliem. This 
was undoul)ted evidence of tlieir hostility. 

The charge was sounded, Colonel Phelps heading 
his regiment. Colonel Crawford and Major Hunt 
moving with it ; while Colonel Blair and Captain 
Hinton galloped to the right to bring forward troops, 
there forming. The 2d Colorado, under Captain 
Kingsbury, which had been sent forward by General 
Sanborn, pressed to the charge as fast as their weary 
animals would move. 

Half way to the enemy's lines we flushed their 
skirmishers, who were concealed in the rank grass 
beyond a gentle rise. Firing a hasty volley, they 
retreated quickly to their main body, which moved 
off by .the left flank at full sj)eed, our squadrons in 
rapid pursuit. The first line had been formed facing 
the west. About a mile beyond, another line was 
now formed, facing to the north, and strengthened by 
three guns — two rifled and one small smooth-bore — 
its right resting on a timbered ravine, running from 
the main stream. The left rested upon a small knoll 
on the summit of which was a I02: cabin. Their 
artillery opened, but principally firing solid shot did 
no great damage. The whistling of shell was how- 
ever by no means unfrequent. 

Orderlies were sent to hurry forward the artillery, 
while directions were received from General Sanborn 
not to press a charge until other troops had been 
brought forward. Generals Curtis and Pleasanton 
were then at the ford directino- movements there. 



204 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

Finding tliat our guns did not come forward as 
rapidly as was hoped, it was determined, as the fire 
from the rebel battery was galling our troops, to 
endeavor to capture them by a combined movement 
of all the troops now deployed. The 2d Arkansas, 
led- by Colonel Phelps, and the 2d Colorado bat- 
talion, under Captain Kingsbury, advanced most 
gallantly, the men cheering lustily as the charge was 
sounded. The regiment to the left failed to support 
them promptly. The small force in fi'ont still 
pressed forward in spite of the heavy fire from the 
rebel line, and though unable to charge in conse- 
quence of their numbers, they compelled the foe to 
give way, though but slowly. 

At this time Major Hunt rode up to Colonel 
Phelps, informing him that " the General exj)ected 
him to capture those guns." 

" I would have done so five minutes ago," was the 
Colonel's reply, " had I been properly supported." 

With an assurance that he should be, Major Hunt 
galloped to the left, and the 8th M. S. M. swung 
into line and forward on the charge. The line, con- 
sisting of the 2d Arkansas, three companies of the 
2d Colorado, and the Missouri regiment, charged in 
gallant style ; other troops closed ujj in the rear, 
while two of Thurber's guns opened, having been 
brought up on the gallop. As we advanced, the 
rebels broke to the rear — failing to come to close 
quarters — ^leaving their small gun on the field, which 
we took. Owing to the delay on om* left, the enemy 



ADVANCE OF Phillips' beigade. 205 

were enabled to save tlieir Parrotts, by rapidly 
limbering to the rear and going off on the gallop. 

Another line of battle was seen about two miles 
south as we pressed forward, but it moved off as we 
advanced, after firing a few shots from their rifled 
guns. Three roads met in the main one leading 
across the stream ; one to our right lead direct to 
Mound City ; another — the centre, over which the 
main reljel army moved — was the direct road to Fort 
Scott, Mine Creek and Osage, some five and ten 
miles south, and entering the military and telegraph 
road a few miles above Fort Scott. The other, to 
the left, branched again, one uniting with the Mine 
Creek road, and the other following the State line. 

Phillips' Brigade (M. S. M.) moved forward on 
the road to the centre. Colonel Cloud, was 
ordered by General Curtis, to take the 2d Kansas, 
under Major Hopkins and Captain Cosegrove, and 
move on the extreme right. The Colonel himself, 
with a small detachment, moved on the centre. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen, with the veteran brigade 
of Colonel Winslow, moved on the road to the left, 
some distance behind Colonel Phillips. Major 
Weed, Major Hunt, Colonel Crawford, Colonel Blair, 
Captain Hinton, and other staff officers, moved to 
the front to render what assistance could be given. 
The Colorado Battalion moved on the centre road. 
Considerable delay, and consequent separation of 
troops occurred, owing to the difficult passage of the 
ford. General Pleasanton pressed forward the 



206 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

troops, sending orders to Sanborn and McNeil. 
General Sanborn had previously halted, and let his 
men and horses feed. 

In the meanwhile the advance brigades moved 
rapidly across the open prairie. Soon the timber of 
Mine Creek, about five miles south-east of Mound 
City, came in sight. As the gallant Missouri and 
Arkansas troops under Colonel Phillips reached the 
brow of a long acclivity which overlooked the creek 
valley beyond, the enemy were discovered in great 
force formed in line of battle upon the north side of 
the stream, with their right resting upon the crossing 
and left extending north-west and resting on the 
timber of the stream. The open prairie, sweeping 
away, aiforded the grandest possible field for cavalry 
riiovements. It became evident that here the battle 
was to be fought. The rebels, deployed six lines 
deep in the centre, showed a force of from 12,000 to 
15,000 men. As it afterwards appeared, the two 
divisions of Fagan and Marmaduke, comprising the 
flower of the rebel army, were thus arranged in 
battle array under the direction of General Price, 
who commanded in person. Beyond the creek to 
the. south could be seen a long train and accompany- 
ing troops, extending for some miles. This was 
Shelby's Division and the new one under Tyler, with, 
the plunder and prisoners of the Missouri raid. 
The rebel artillery, ten pieces, was stationed on the 
left of their line, an error on the part of the rebel 
General which our officers were not sIoav to perceive. 



HALT OF COLONEL PHILLIPS. 207 

If we succeeded in breaking their centre, there was 
no possibility of their withdrawing the guns. From 
our front to the rebel lines, the ground formed a 
gentle descent. On the right, and a little to our 
front, was a farm house and fences. To our extreme 
left and front was a slight swale, the timber and ci'eek, 
then a rising corn field with a log cabin at the top. 

The brigade of Colonel Phillips had halted upon 
the edge of the table land, with skirmishers well 
thrown out,, about one thousand yards from the 
enemy. Colonel Benteen was still some distance in 
the rear. Major Hopkins, with the 2d Kansas and 
two howitzers, came up on the extreme right. Gen- 
eral Pleasanton had been informed of the position of 
our forces, and was pressing to the front with a 
section of Rodman's guns, and his escort, accom- 
panied by Major Curtis, who had reported him for 
duty. 

It was apparent the rebel army were determined 
to fight here, with the expectation of checking our 
march, and so enabling them to move more leisurely 
towards Fort Scott. The whole of their line was 
not visible, the right being behind the brow of the 
hill, descending into Mine Creek. Their artillery 
was playing with considerable effect upon the right 
of the unsupported brigade of Colonel Phillips, still 
steadily advancing. Majors Weed and Hunt gal- 
loped to the left to inform Colonel Benteen of the 
position of affairs on the right, and desire him to 
press forward with a view to charge before the rebels 



208 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

had time to do so, n movement whicli it was evident 
they were about to execute. The Coh:>nel responded 
heartily to the suggestion, and the brigade, consist- 
ing of the 10th Missouri Cavalry, Major W. H. 
Lask ; the 4th Iowa Cavalry, Major A. R. Pierce ; 
3rd Iowa Cavalry, Major B. S. Jones ; and the 4th 
Missouri and Tth Indiana Cavalry consolidated, 
under Major Simmonson, moved in column on the 
gallop, each regiment forming on the left of Phillips, 
as they came up. 

At this time the rebel guns were firing canister at 
an enemy they supposed to be advancing on their 
right, and hidden from view by the rise in front. 
This alone saved Colonel Phillips, who, if known to 
be unsupported, w^ould have been swept from the 
field by a vigorous advance. In the face of this fire, 
which tore the ground in front, and filled the air 
with hurtling missiles. Colonel Benteen's Brigade 
broke from regimental columns, forming into line 
to the right and left, and moving steadily forward 
till they reached short range. The rattle of mus- 
ketry, mingled with the roar of artillery, the shouts 
of the soldiers, the scream of the shells, the crash of 
small arms, the hissing sound of canister, and the 
cries of the wounded as they fell about us, filled the 
air, forming a picture, when set ofi:' by the walls of 
steel before, and that aljout and behind us, that can 
be easier remembered than described. It was evi- 
dent that a desperate eifort was preparing in the 
rebel lines. A group of officers could be seen in the 



SCENES OF THE BATTLE-FIELD. 209 

centre, evidently of liigli rank, wliile others were 
clashing furiously up and down, and fiercely the tiger 
rebel yell met and mingled with the wild hurras of 
our men. The long Ihies of rebels, with crasli and 
fury of raging battle about them ; the slender 
brigades deployed and advancing on their front, 
while to the north, across the broad prairie, were to 
be seen the rapidly deploying troops advancing to 
reinforce our front. 

These scenes take lonirer to describe than to enact. 
While these troops were pressing to our assistance, 
deploying to the right and left, forming a second line 
of battle, and the generals, with their escort and 
staff were riding hastily forward. Colonel Benteeu 
had, without hesitation, dashed on under a fire so 
terrible, that even his veteran troops were for a 
moment staggered. The brigade to the right was 
showino- sierns of distress, when, niakino; a ritrht half 
wheel, and sending to Colonel Phillips to move at 
the same time, away went Benteen, both brigades 
precipitating themselves upon the centre and left of 
the I'ebel lines. 

The gallant staff officers of General Curtis, so soon 
as the charge sounded, rode to the right and left 
along the line, cheering and encouraging the troops, 
charging themselves in the very thick front and fore- 
most of the fight. Colonels Crawford and Cloud 
were in the centre. Colonel Blair with Majoi's Weed 
and Hunt, and Sergeant Sloonacker, 15th Kansas, 
were on the right ; Captain Hinton had moved with 
20 



210 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

,tlie extreme left of Colonel Beiiteen's command. 
Major Curtis, with tlie escort company of General 
Pleasanton, and two of Tliurber's guns, wliicli had 
now reached the field, opened on the rebel right. 

Forward ! was shouted along the line. Away it 
went ; at first slowly, and then with a fierce mo- 
mentum, dashing and crashing through the rebel 
right and centre, j A rush — a scramble — a confused 
vision of flashing sabres on ourrightand centre ; the 
wild ti'ample of rushing horses ; the frantic shouts 
of charging combatants ; the crash of small arms — - 
not continuous as in line — but rapid and isolated as 
of individual combat ; the cessation of the enemy's 
artillery fii'e, and the intermittent fire of our own 
guns, were the elements which made up a scene 
worthy of being immortalized in the verse of 
Tennyson, or by the brush of Horace Vernet. 

So rapidly had the centre and right swept forward, 
that the extreme left, which from' the nature of the 
ground had not been able to charge simultaneously, 
and was now swinging, half-wheel to the I'ight, with 
the view of crossing a ravine, clearing the corn field 
on the south, and attacking the disordered rebel force 
on the flank as it emerged from the wood ; — this 
force as it swept through the ravine and into the 
field, was fired upon by our own guns. Supposing 
these shells to be from the rebel guns, the left went 
thundering through the field, when they were fired 
upon by a line of skirmishers. With a cheer our 
boys dashed forward. The rebels fled ; a number 



THE OLD woman's BLESSING. 211 

lay wounded, and over tliem went the line amid 
a volley from tliose behind the fence at the top 
of the field. In front of a log cabin stood an old 
woman, with several children clinging to her skirts, 
fearless of the leaden shower which ceaselessly pat- 
tered against the cabin wall ; with dress disordered 
and grey locks floating in the wind, the old lady 
shouted, while we whirled past, " God bless you, 
boys ! God bless you boys ! Hurra for the Union ! 
Hurra for Kansas ! Give it to 'em !" and similar 
exclamations. The sight was inspiring. The bless- 
ing: came like a drau2:ht of wine, and with a wild 
shout the troops cleared the fence, swept over the 
prairie beyond, and attacked the disordered rebels 
as they emerged from the timber, capturing a Major 
and a number of men. Several shells had already 
fallen in our midst, when it became evident that the 
left was mistaken for rebels, and it fell back across 
the prairie to the supports which were coming up. 

The firing was directed by General Sanborn, who 
had mistaken these troops for the enemy, but as 
soon as they fell back, both General Pleasanton and 
General Sanborn rode up and ordered the fire to 
cease. Captain Hintou was with the left and par- 
ticipated in the charge. 

While this was going on upon the left, the right 
and centre had com])letely routed the rebel force, 
causing them to fall back in wild disorder over 
Mine Creek and reform upon the south side, about a 
mile beyond. Colonel Benteen was in hot pursuit, 



212 AEMY OF THE BOKDEE. 

until General Pleasanton, who had reached the field 
just as our charge was being made, sent an order 
directmo- that no further advance be made until the 
division could concentrate. 

When our attack was made, from the capture of 
so many rebel officers of high rank it would appear 
that they were all assembled in and about the centre. 
Brigadier-General Cabell was captured by Sergeant 
Calvary M. Young, of Company "A," 3rd Iowa- 
Cavalry, and Major-General Marmaduke was cap- 
tured by Private James Dunleavy, of Company "D." 
Two stands of coloi-s were taken by Major Pierce, 
4th Iowa Cavalry, (who in the engagement cut down 
eight men with his own hands,) besides a large 
number of prisoners and four guns. Colonel Jeffards, 
formerly a Lieutenant-Colonel in the famous Stone- 
wall Brigade, surrendered with a number of men to 
Colonel Cloud. Among other officers captured was 
Colonel John Waddell, a nephew of General Frost, 
of Camp Jackson notoriety. Colonel Crandall, Mar- 
maduke's Adjutant, was taken near his chief, as was 
his Medical Director. Brigadier-General Slemmon, 
who commanded the rear attacked by our troops at 
the ]\tounds and at the Trading Post, was mortally 
wounded, and died afterwards at Newtonia. Briga- 
dier-General Graham was killed and left on the field. 
A large number of field officers of various grades 
were captured, about eight hundred of the rank and 
file, and nine guns, which, with the one taken at 
Marias des Cygnes, made ten. The wounded left on 



CAPTURE OF MARMADUKE. 213 

tlie field numbered over two hundred, while the 
dead was about the same. A number of our officers 
were severely wounded, but our actual loss was not 
more than one hundred and fifty men. The impetu- 
osity of the charge, and its complete success, accounts 
for this slight loss. Had Colonel Phillips' brigade 
been armed with sabres and carbines, in place of 
long rifles, the victory would have been more com- 
plete. Yet never was there witnessed a more over- 
whelmins: rout than the field of this o-lorious charire 
presented. The field was won against 12,000, by 
two brigades, numbering not more than 2,500. 
Major- General Fagan was at first reported killed, and 
the body of an officer, found afterwards to be that of 
General Graham, mistaken for him. General Cabell 
informed Colonel Wheeler, that when he was cap- 
tured. Price himself was within a few feet, and only 
escaped by the fleetness of his horse, and absence of 
any distinctive dress which could render him a mark. 
Major-General Marmaduke was captured by Corpo- 
ral James Dunleavy, of Copapany " D," 3rd Iowa 
Cavalry. The rebel General was rallying his men, 
Dunleavy galloping towards him, occasionally firing. 
Marmaduke mistook him for one of his own men, 
and started towards him, reproving him for firing on 
his friends. Dunleavy stopped, waiting coolly till 
Marmaduke got within twenty or thirty rods of him, 
then coverino; him with his revolver, ordered him to 
dismount and surrender. General Marmaduke did 
so, and his horse galloped ofl'. Colonel Blair was 



214 AEMY OF THE BOrvDEE. 

riding by at tliis time, and Dunleavy seeing lie was 
an officer, offered to Kim the prisoner. The Colonel 
declined the trouble, when Marmaduke said : " Sir, 
you are an officer ; I claim protection at your hands ; 
I am General Marmaduke." Taking charge. Colonel 
Blair said he would protect him until delivered to 
General Curtis as a prisoner. Marmaduke at this 
seemed much relieved. Dunleavy then said, 
" Colonel, remember I took him prisoner. I am 
James Dunleavy, Corporal of Company " D," ord 
Iowa Cavalry." Colonel Blair told the Corporal 
(who was severely wounded in the right fore arm, 
but still held his revolver vigorously) to come along, 
and he should have tke honor of being introduced to 
General Curtis as the captor of General Marmaduke. 
Colonel Blair moved to the rear with his prisoner, 
passing Generals Pleasanton and Sanborn. A led 
horse was taken from a soldier, and Marmaduke 
mounted, as he complained greatly of fatigue. 
Colonel Blair found Generals Curtis and Blunt, with 
Senator I^ane, and other staff officers at the house of 
Mrs. Beagins, about a half mile from the field of our 
successful charge. The prisoner was introduced, as 
also his captor, wkom the General found afterwards 
to be a son of an old Iowa friend. He directed the 
Corporal to retain Marmaduke's revolver. An 
amusing incident occurred at this time. 

When the rel)el line was forming, Marmaduke's 
Division was on the right. Its commander I'ode a 
very fine mare, which lie called " Miss Mary Price.' 



" MISS MAEY PEICE." 215 

After performing some equestrian feats, and extolling 
the qualities of liis steed, he asked the old lady 
whose blessing had saluted us as we charged by her 
door, " what she thought of Miss Mary" — adding, 
boastingly, of riding over the Kansas Jayhawkers. 
After the battle, the old lady went to Mrs. Reagin's, 
and seeing Marmaduke^ saluted liim with, " How 
are you. General, and how 's IMiss Mary Price, and 
where 's the Kansas Jayhawkers now V The General 
answered not. Majors Weed and Curtis, with 
Colonel Cloud, were busy in collecting the prisoners, 
scattered all over the held. General Curtis placed 
them in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Sears, 
18th U. S. C. L, Acting Provost Marshal, detailing 
a Missouri Kegiment to guard them. The captured 
guns were brought up to Mrs. Eeagin's and turned 
over to Colonel Sears. The charge upon these guns, 
surrendered by Colonel Jeffards to Colonel Cloud, 
was made ]3y a portion of the 10th Missouri Volun- 
teer Cavalry, and a detachment of the 2d Kansas 
Cavalry acting with Colonel Cloud. General 
Sanborn, who had now come up, was directed to 
move his brigade to the right of the line, and take 
the advance. The troops on the skirmish line being 
completely worn out, Colonel Cloud was directed to 
take their place with the 2d Kansas. 

These movements following the rebel defeat, had 
transpired while Colonel Benteen and Colonel 
Phillips were still pressing the enemy across Mine 
Creek. A formidable line of battle had been again 



216 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

formed by tliem on a prairie ridge about one mile to 
tlie soutli. This they soon abandoned, and our sMr- 
misliers pursued tliera beyond the dividing ridge of 
Mine Creek and Little Osage. The rear of our 
troojos (General McNeil and General Blunt) were 
still far behind. General Pleasanton complained of 
the former as not showing willingness to move for- 
ward. Major Chariot, General Curtis' Adjutant, 
was sent to bring his brigade forward, and to arrest 
General McNeil if hesitation was evinced. His 
brigade being in advance of the 1st Division, delayed 
General Blunt at the crossino;. Some waggons had 
broken down and obstructed the ford, causing delay. 
General McNeil stated that no order for an advance 
had been received by him. He came up on the 
gallop upon receipt of the order. As the Major was 
en route to General McNeil, he passed Mi's. Keagin's, 
where our prisoners and wounded were being gath- 
ered, and found Captain Gates and Major Suess, of 
General Pleasanton's staif, disputing with Colonel 
Sears for custody of the prisoners, claiming them 
as " General Pleasanton's prisoners." They were 
informed that, as General Curtis, the senior officer 
present, had placed them in charge of Colonel Sears, 
they woidd be retained by that officer till relieved. 

Our dead and wounded were left on the field to 
the kindly care of the citizens ; so also were the 
rebel wounded. Our movements were stiJl onward. 
Fort Scott lay in the direction of the enemy's march. 
Stores to the value of two millions, belonging to the 



EESULTS OF THE BATTLE. 21 7 

Government were tliere. Hence the necessity of 
pressing after tlie shaken, but not yet beaten, 
rebel army. 

To the early attack on the Mounds, and the vigor- 
ous driving of the enemy at the Trading Post Ford, 
and in the valley beyond, is to be attributed the 
engagement and consequent victory at Mine Creek. 
Had not the Colorado Battalion carried the Mounds, 
and so opened the ball before daylight, the import- 
ant Post at Fort Scott, and the whole of South-east 
Kansas, would have fallen a prey to the rebel army. 



BATTLE GROUND ^^ CHARIOT. 

OCT. 25. 64. 

iCROVE 




CHAPTER XVII. 

ENGAGEMENTS AT THE LITTLE OSAGE AND CHAELOT 

MARCH OF MOONLIGHT — ENGAGEMENTS AT MOUND 

CITY AND FORT LINCOLN REBEL CAMP ON DRYWOOD 

CREEK OURS AT FORT SCOTT AND MARMATON. 

While the prisoners were being gathered in, the 
captured guns and trophies taken care of, and mes- 
sengers sent in haste to hurry forward McNeil's 
Brigade and the 1st Division, the two brigades of 
Benteen and Phillips which so gallantly reaped the 
harvest now being secured on Mine Creek, were, 
under orders from General Pleasanton, reforming 
their lines and awaiting the forward movement. 
Benteen's veterans, indeed, had pressed onward in 
hot haste, and when directed to halt were reforming 
for another charge upon a line presenting itself 
along a ridge about a mile south of the stream. 
This was evidently intended to cover the retreat and 
recovery from disorder into which our impetuous 
charge had thrown the divisions of Marmaduke and 
Fagan. As the veteran 2d Kansas, one hundred 



DEVASTATION AND RUIlSr, 221 

and fifty strong, took the skirmish line (having 
reported to General Sanborn, now moving his troops 
upon the right for that purpose), and moved steadily- 
forward, this line melted away, and when the ridge 
was reached were seen joining the main column. 

The scene was most striking. Seldom, if ever, 
has " the pomp and circumstance of glorious war " 
had so broad a field whereon to display its attrac 
tions. The battle-field with its hideous concomitants 
of death and suffering was veiled by the intervening 
timber. Beyond the valley, bodies of troops, dimly 
discernible, were pressing forward to join the pursuit 
Thin columns of smoke, wTeathing upward in the 
soft Indian summer haze, told of the desolation 
which the invader had wrought behind us. Before 
were rising denser and fi-esher the same black tokens, 
and the van of their march was plainly distinguish- 
able by ruddy masses of cloud which told of Ijurning 
prairie, hay ricks and buildings. To the straining 
eyes on the halted skirmish line it was still certain 
that they were moving direct towards Foi't Scott. 
Colonel Charles W. Blair, who, accompanied by 
Captain Hinton, had moved to the extreme advance, 
scanned the horizon eagerly with his glass, and grew 
restless at the delay, which, however, was necessary 
to concentrate and reform our troops, broken and 
disorganized by the rapid j)ursuit and subsequent 
charge. About a half mile to the rear of the skir- 
mishers, a fine display of extensive cavalry move- 
ments were visible. Three brigades were forming in 



222 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

column of regiments. Colonel Benteen on the left, 
Pliillips in tlie centre, and General Sanborn moving 
to tlie right. The formation was perfect, and the 
level prairie to their front allowed the whole 
extended line to move unbroken. In the front and 
centre rode the two Generals, Curtis and Pleasanton, 
with their respective staffs and escort, forming 
themselves an attractive feature of the pageant thus 
unconsciously exhibited to the observant eye. Gen- 
eral Blunt had returned from Mine Creek to endea- 
vor to hurry forward his own division. 

As the buo-les alona; the line blared forth the 
advance, the division moved in the direction of the 
Little Osage, near which, some four miles distant, 
the enemy's main advance could be seen. Half way 
upon the prairie fresh smoke was rising densely, 
tellinar of some new horror. When our skirmishers 
moved past the house, the bloody form of a young 
man, just shot down, was to be seen at the threshold. 
It Avas a well-cultivated farm. The extensive ricks 
of hay and corn stalks which were stacked in the 
barn -yard were burning, while all the adjoining 
prairie was fast blackening with the flames which 
ran along its swells. The house had been stripped. 
The young man was a member of the Linn county 
militia, who knowing the enemy's march would be 
by his dwelling, had left his command and reached 
it, only in time to be murdered. Further to the 
west some miles, a heavy volume of smoke could be 
seen rising from a dense body of timber, which was 



LONG AND EAPID MARCHES. 223 

known to be in the vicinity of Fort Lincoln. A 
small column of mounted men could be seen moving 
therefrom towards the main body of rebels. Fur- 
ther to the north, aiii moving to the west, l)y the 
aid of glasses, could be distinguished another body 
of cavalry, which it was believed was the gallant 2d 
Brigade, under Colonel Moonlight. 

As afterwards appeared, Colonel Moonlight, with 
the 11th Kansas volunteers and Lyon county militia, 
under Colonel Mitchell, had reached Mound City 
about one P. M., having marched sixty-five miles 
without rest or food, accomplishing the last thirty 
miles in five hours. Here the messenger sent by 
General Blunt, directing him to move on to Fort 
Scott and hold the place at all hazards, was received. 
Captain Greer with the force at his command had 
already given a small Ixxly of rebels, the evening 
before, a taste of his quality. Towards morning, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel A. Drake, with two 
companies of the l7th Kansas, arrived. Colonel 
Drake was in command at Paola, and immediately 
on learning of the safety of that important post, 
had, leaving the 18th K. S. M., Colonel Potter com- 
manding, moved with the balance of his force to 
Mound City, making a night march, arriving in time 
to aid in the defence, by checking a force then 
moving up Sugar Creek. As day broke, scouts 
arrived with the intelligence that the enemy's 
advance, eight hundred strong, were moving direct 
towards the post. Moonlight formed a line of battk 



224 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

to the nortli-east of town, and a sharp skirmish, 
ensued, which resulted in the rapid withdrawal of 
the foe — our cavalry pursuing for two miles in the 
direction of Price's main army. Manlove, a member 
of the militia under Captain Greer, was killed, and 
Mr. Williams was severely wounded, during this fight. 
From the high prairie, where the 2d Brigade with- 
drew and moved towards Fort Scott, they had an 
opportunity to witness the magnificent charge made 
by Benteen and Phillips at Mine Creek, Moving on 
the Telegraj)h I'oad, Moonlight again encountered 
the enemy at Fort Lincoln. They held the heavy 
timber, were apparently in force, and after some 
sharp skii'mishing the 2d Brigade was withdrawn, 
its commander leaving a battalion of the 11th 
Kansas to watch the enemy, while he moved up the 
stream and flanked them to the west, marchmg 
rapidly to Fort Scott, which he reached at four 
P. M. The rebels burned the buildings at Fort 
Lincoln, and several houses, robbed the post-ofifice 
and store, murdering one of the citizens. At JMound 
City, another brush was had with a straggling force. 
About 10 A. M., a body of one hundred and fifty 
advanced within a half mile of the public square. 
Captain Greer sent the militia to meet them. The 
rebels took possession of a corn field. Lieutenant 
Parks was severely wounded in this movement. 
Colonel Drake, with his command, then advanced 
into the field, and succeeded in dislodging the enemy, 
who fl.ed, leaving some wounded and six prisoners in 



THE WOmSTDED CARED FOR. 225 

our hands. Caj)tain Greer, with a portion of the 
militia, by a flank movement succeeded in capturing 
several. Eighteen prisoners were taken. The 
danger to the people in and around Mound City was 
over ; their work however, had only just begun. 
Our march down the line had been so rapid, and 
work from the previous three day's fighting so great, 
that but few of the surgeons were with the pursuing 
troops. Surgeons Ashmore and Twiss, of the 11th 
and 15th Kansas, were left to take care of the 
wounded. The resident practitioners, Doctors Ben- 
der and Hiatt, heartily co-operated. Every suitable 
building at Mound City was converted into hos2:)itals 
for our own and the rebel wounded. About two 
hundred rebel dead were buried by the citizens on 
the field at Mine Creek. For days after, bodies 
were found in the long grass and brush fringing the 
stream, where, when wounded, they had dragged 
themselves. Sixty wounded rebels were conveyed 
to Mound City, and there received every attention 
that humanity demanded. A number of our own 
wounded were also moved hither, as afterwards 
others were taken to Fort Scott. The noble women 
of Linn county labored unremittingly in full grati- ^' 
tude for their rescue. The wanton burning of the 
prairie, in which the rebels indulged, was in the end 
mainly injurious to themselves. These fires swept 
the fields on Mine Creek and the Osage, burning the 
bodies of their wounded and charring the remains 



28 



226 AEMT OF THE BOEDER. 

of their dead. At Mine Creek, many of their 
wounded were burned to death. 

The 1st Division found many of the charred bodies 
as they passed. In one instance, a man was lying on 
his face, and his clothes had all been consumed 
except his pockets, which were piotected by his 
body. In the pockets were found some Confederate 
scrip, a few doUars in specie, and a pass which the 
soldier had at some time received from his command- 
ing officer, allowing him to visit home for a week. 
This proved afterwards the means of recognizing the 
dead man. At Fort Scott, where the rebel prison- 
ers were collected, and a good deal of inquiry was 
being made by them concerning the fate of various 
comrades, the Union soldier who had taken this pass 
from the pockets of the dead rebel, walked up to 
the line and inquired if any of them knew of such a 
man, calling the name found on the pass. " Yes," 
eagerly replied one of the rebels coming forward, 
"was he taken prisoner?" "Why, what do you 
want to know for ?" " He was my brother," was the 
quick response. " Well," said the Union soldier, 
^^ all I can say is, that you have burned your own 
brother to death ; I found this in his pocket." 

We left our troops moving towards the Little 
Osage ; the 2d Kansas, under Major Hopkins and 
Captain Cosegrove, being still in the advance. 
Colonel Cloud commanded the skii*mish line. About 
two miles from the stream, we again flushed the 
rebel rear, which was driven rapidly towards the 



M<WEIL ORDEEED TO ADVATTCE. 227 

timber. Tlie movement was active and continuous, 
and under it both, men -and animals gave way, many 
of tbe latter tailing exhausted. The timber swarmed 
with rebel skirmishers, as our advance halted for 
rest and reinforcement. In the meanwhile, General 
McNeil, under the stimulus of imperative orders, had 
galloped to the front, assuming the left as he reached 
the line, midway between the two streams. Report- 
ing to General Pleasanton, sharp words passed 
between them ; General McNeil exonerating himself 
from the charge of intentional delay, by a declara- 
tion that no orders had been received by him prior 
to those borne by the Assistant Adjutant General, 
Major Chariot. He was imj^eratively directed to 
take the advance, which he did, and maintained with 
the utmost alacrity. 

The skirmish line was reinforced by the 2d Arkan- 
sas Cavalry under Colonel Phelps, Jun., which had 
been foremost in the fray since sunrise. Though the 
woods were alive, and the foeman's force unknown, 
Colonel Phelps rapidly charged across the bottom 
and into the timber, driving the rebel skirmishers 
before him. In this movement, he was supported by 
the 2d Kansas. General McNeil now arrived. His 
brigade (unsupported by artillery, which by orders 
had been left with Colonel Benteen's command, and 
did not report to McNeil again during the expedi- 
tion) moved rapidly down the stream, crossing at 
the ford some distance below, accompanied also by 
the Kansas and Ai'kansas Cavalry, under Colonel 



228 AKMY OF THE BORDER. 

Phelps and Major Hopkins. Just as tlie head of oui 
column emerged from the timber, it was fired on by 
the enemy's skirmishers. They were soon dislodged. 
Again we pushed forward toward a cornfield on the 
left of the road and beyond a little stream. Here 
the movement was checked by a heavy fire from the 
field. It was apparent that another battle had to 
be fought. The enemy were visible in great force at* 
our front. Extending on the south side of the Little 
Osage, about one mile, is a smaller stream emptying 
into the Osage just east of the crossing. One half 
mile south, are two small farms, one rather south- 
west of the other, nearest to the timber, with a small 
strip of prairie between the fields. Beyond this, 
three hundred yards, was a smaller stream, quite 
narrow and deep, running parallel with the Osage. 
In crossing this, our horses were compelled to 
swim. Just south was the large cornfield, within 
which the enemy was in force. 

Here another throw was to be made in the game of 
war. McNeil rapidly formed his little brigade into 
column of companies, dismounted the 5th M. S. M., 
ordered it to take down the fence, which was done 
gallantly in the face of a galling fire, and then in 
€lear, sharp tones, addressed the bi'igade as it was 
formed, telling them " that it made no diiference 
whether there were one or ten thousand men in that 
field, he wanted them to ride right over them." 

The response was a wild cheer, and almost before 
the order to charge was given, the impatient troops 



COKFLICTINa OF OEDEES. 229 

swept through it like a tornado. Nothing could have 
withstood that w^ild rush, and the enemy melted 
away. Beyond the field, and to the left, the enemy 
had formed another strono; line of battle. Behind 
this some distance, and to the right, so that the two 
were en echelon^ was a still stronger line. Cather- 
wood, w^ho was in the adv^ance, was now beyond the 
field, and^as yet unsupported. His command, the 
13th Missouri Cavalry, swept into line as it left the 
field of the charge. General Pleasauton who was 
directing the movements, requested Major McKenny 
to order Catherwood to chai'ge. Between the two 
rebel lines was a road. The Major, after giving the 
order, detached a squadron from oui* right, to see that 
no attempt was made to fiank Catherwood. The line 
in the latter' s front was strons;. General McNeil 
was hurrying forward, when General Pleasanton sent 
an order through one of his stafi', Major Suess, 
directing the brigade to move " Ijy fours right on the 
road, and not hazard the charge." Catherwood was 
moving forward in obedience to orders conveyed by 
Major McKenny, who was now riding towards the 
squadion stationed on the road. The oflicer last 
sent, rode up to the Major, and complaining tliat his 
horse was worn out, asked him to convey the order. 
McKenny promptly declined, giving as a reason, that 
he had just conveyed a different order, which he 
believed would be executed successfully. Instead of 
delivering the order, Major Suess rode ofl:" diagonally 
from Catherwood, ' and neither Catherwood nor 



230 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

McNeil received it. Gen. McNeil was now moving on 
the gallop with the balance of his. brigade in support 
of Catherwood, when General Pleasauton rode for- 
ward and very angrily accused McNeil of disobeying 
his orders to move " by fours right on the road." 
An explanation was given that no such orders had 
been received ; but General Pleasanton imperatively 
said they had been, and ordered McNejl forward. 
The latter pushed on ; the charge was made and the 
enemy gave way, slowly falling back to the third 
line already mentioned. Here a stubborn resistance 
was made. The line was formed in a low basin, 
evidently being used for a temporary halting place. 
It was surrounded by a semi-circular swell of prairie, 
along the brow of which the rebels were strongly 
posted. 

For twenty minutes they held us at bay under a 
severe fire, until the biigade, which had become 
somewhat scattered in these impetuous charges 
and pursuit, again reformed, and in the line of 
battle charged, driving the enemy in confusion, 
and following in rapid and continuous pursuit for 
two miles. The effect of their charge was of course 
aided by the rapid advance and deployment of the 
other brigades which had as fast as possible crossed 
the Osage, moved to the front, and were now 
getting into position. 

Passing through their temporary resting place, 
every evidence of the haste with which they retreated 
was to be seen. Scattered over the ground, were 



SUCCESS OWING TO MoNEIL. 231 

arms, clotliing, blankets, equipments, mess utensils 
and food. Their killed and wounded were left as 
they fell. Quite a number of wagons were found 
half consumed. Large quantities of fixed ammuni- 
tion, both for large and small arms, was scattered for 
miles-along the line of retreat. Hundreds of broken 
down and wounded animals were seen on the prairie. 
It now became evident that the enemy's flight no 
longer endangered Fort Scott, the direction of his 
march being turned east of that place for the first 
time during the day's operations. The credit of the 
gallant movements at the Osage, is due to Genei'al 
McNeil and the troops under him; especially for the 
rapid pressing of the advantages gained. 

The brigades of Colonel Benteen, Phillips and 
General Sanborn, followed as fast as their jaded 
horses would permit, in support of McNeil, who con- 
tinued to pursue the foe, till he again turned in force 
nearer the Marmaton River, a few miles east of 
Fort Scott. 

Nothing is more surprising in the history of this 
day's successes, than the small force by which they 
were won. At Mine Creek, not more than twenty- 
five hundred were engaged, and at Little Osage 
less than two thousand of our gallant troopers, drove 
a foe outnumbering them more than five to one, hav- 
ing also the advantage of chosen position and the 
shelter of timber and fences. It was most unfortun- 
ate for the complete success of our arms, that the 
delay at the crossing of the Marias des Cygnes, the 



232 ARMY OF THE BORDEPw 

condition of the roads and of their animals, rendered 
it impossible for the gallant 1st Division to reach the 
front till after sundown — too late for assistance ; this, 
t^o, in spite of the unwearied exertion of General 
Blunt and his Brigade Commanders, w^ho had each 
felt themselves in a measure deprived of their right 
to defend their own State, by the result of the 
change in the line of march made the previous night. 

With Genei'al McNeil rode several of the volun- 
teer and staif officers of Genei'al Curtis, among 
whom were Senator James H. Lane and Colonel 
Crawford, now Governor of Kansas. Captain 
Hinton, of General Blunt's stafP, was also with the 
advance. Among the troops under McNeil was the 
veteran 7th Kansas Cavalry, under Major Malone, 
much of which had been originally recruited in 
this section. They, as always, behaved with the 
utmost spirit, but escaped with only two men 
wounded. 

In the long and disjointed line of march which 
our forces now made across the wide prairie dividing 
the Osage and Marmaton waters. General McNeil 
held the advance, at least tw^o miles ahead of the 
next brio-ade, which was Colonel Benteen's. Follow- 
ino; were the bri^j-ades of General Sanborn and 
Colonel Phillips, with whom rode the Generals. 
Several miles to the rear was the 1st Division, while 
scattered all between were the jaded stragglers 
seeking to keep up with their commanders. The 
condition of the artillery was of the worst character. 



EESISTANCE OF THE ENEMY. 233 

The little mountain howitzers managed to keep well 
up to the front, but Colonel Cole's rifled guns were 
dragged wearily far in the rear by the jaded stock, 
over roads broken by ruts, and fetlock deep with 
mud. 

At last the enemy approached the Marmaton. 
He was again compelled to fight. At tliis point it 
is quite a considerable stream, wdth wide bottom 
prairie, dense timber and swift rocky ford to cross. 
Being encumbered with his train, Price turned to 
resist for its passage, and jNIcNeil it seemed likely, 
would ])ay dearly for his temerity. The entire 
rebel army was drawn up in line of l^attle (four lines 
deep) about two miles from the stream. As we 
afterwards learned, even his partially armed recruits 
being used to swell the strength and add to its for- 
midable appearance. The point for resistance was 
well selected. They formed their line of battle 
along the edge of a swell where the plateau dipped 
to the river valley. A slight rise was of advantage 
in concealing; a flank movement from their left. 
Their main centre was protected from charging by a 
strong stone wall, behind which, and in rear of a 
fighting division, w^as placed their raw troops. The 
right extended till it rested on some trees and under- 
growth jutting out from the main stream, the timber 
of which could not be seen from our lines. The 
movements and extent of our forces were plainly 
visible to them. A small creek and farm, called after 
29 



234 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

tlie proprietor, gave tlie name of Charlott to this , 
eno:ao:emeut. 

McNeil did not hesitate, but promptly formed 
in line of battle to resist, and, if possible, drive the 
foe. His slender lines looked like a pigmy in the. 
face of the reljels, whose flanks extended three- 
quarters of a mile beyond our own. A brisk fire of 
small arms was opened on both sides. General 
Lane hastened, at the request of McNeil, to hurry 
forward reinforcements. Generals Curtis and Plea- 
santon were informed by him of the position of 
affairs at the front, and his apprehension that 
McNeil could not hold the ground until more forces 
were brought up. Major McKenny was requested 
by General Pleasanton to order McNeil to advance 
his right, and assure him of support. The order 
was given, and McNeil responded, " I obey the order 
with pleaslire ; it is the most joyful news I have 
heard to-day." Colonel Crawford and Captain 
Hinton galloped along the line of our advancing 
forces with the view of hurr3^ing troops and guns to 
his assistance. Two howitzers were sent to the front. 
Major Suess, of General Pleasanton's staff, brought 
up a couple of Rodman guns, which were imme- 
diately opened upon their right and centre, causing 
it to retire hastily after a few rounds. The 
enemy's wings ■ continued to advance, under a heavy 
fire from our exposed brigade. The two howitzers 
were opened on their right with considerable effect, 
finally causing it to fall back on the centre. Our 



THE EEBELS EETIEE HASTILY. 235 

riglit was still threatened by a heavy column, when 
the howitzers and Rodman guns were turned in that 
direction, and after rapid firing the movement was 
checked. The lines of both armies on our right 
were in extremely low ground, and as a consequence 
the shells fi'om the howitzers fell at our own fron* 
causing considerable confusion. Major McKenny 
rode back to remedy this, when the guns were 
advanced. Colonel Benteen's Brigade came up on a 
trot, and, by direction of General McNeil, forming a 
second line of battle, both advanced towards the 
enemy at a walk, all exertions being unavailing to 
move the horses to either trot or gallop. Before 
this steady movement the enemy retired, gradually 
massing his wings on their centre, and then 
abandoning the field in haste, as the sun sunk 
below the horizon. Our loss was but smalL 
Colonel Benteen had several wounded, among 
whom was the gallant Major Pierce, of the 4th 
Veteran Iowa Cavalry, who was shot in the foot. 
Here, then, was the golden occasion to once more 
precipitate a ruinous flight npon the invaders. Had 
all of our forces within reach, jaded though they 
were, been moved to the assistance of McNeil and 
Benteen (who of themselves had borne the brunt of 
this day's work) until the enemy were reached at 
the Marmaton, the result must have been to them 
complete confusion and overwhelming disaster. 

General McNeil moved steadily on as the enemy 
fell back to protect the crossing. Again the rebel 



^36 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

lines deployed in great force and threatened to flank 
our forces on tlie right and left with heavy columns. 
He sent a courier in hot haste to General Pleasanton, 
askinof for assistance. This messao-e arrived while 
Pleasanton was discussing the idea of falling back 
to camp at the Osage, some six or seven miles to the 
rear. Major McKenny urged the General to push 
forward to the Marmaton, a much shorter distance 
to our front, where wood and water could be had. 
While discussing this, as before stated, McNeil's 
message arrived. His dangerous position could be 
readily seen, as the great array of the enemy was 
fully visible about a mile distant. General Pleasan- 
ton sent word to McNeil to hold his position until 
reinforced. At this time a courier from Fort Scott 
arrived, who stated that that post was distant but two 
and a half miles. By General Pleasanton's order, 
the head of the column was turned to that place, 
and General McNeil was left to the chance of the 
1st Division reaching him in time. Fortunately for 
McNeil and Benteen, the enemy were too busy in 
making good their own retreat to attack them. 

General Curtis had ridden rapidly forward till 
in sight of the field of Charlott, and at the moment 
when the enemy were just falling back, when his 
attention was attracted to a column moving oif to 
the right, which he supposed a flanking movement. 
Seeing however that it passed beyond the enemy's 
lines and still moved away, leaving the slender force 
at the front unsupported, he rode hastily to the head 



OEDEES MISUNDEESTOOD. 237 

of the column, where he found General Pleasanton, 
who informed him that being advised by Lieutenant 
Ehle, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, who with a couple of 
scouts had just i-eached the field from Fort Scott, 
that they were within two and a-half miles of that 
post, he had determined to take his exhausted troops 
there for rest and subsistence. General Curtis 
remonstrated at leaving McNeil unsupported, and 
against any loss of distance in the march, urging 
that the troops bivouac on the prairies, and supplies 
be sent for. He also stated emphatically, that so far 
as the troo23s of his department were concerned, the 
campaign would be over only when Price had sur- 
rendered, or was driven across the Arkansas. 
General Sanborn, however, still continued to lead 
the column to the right, and the exhausted condition 
of both men and animals was so great, while the 
demands of nature for food and rest were so imj^era- 
tive, that the General reluctantly acquiesced. 

Instead of two and a-half miles, as General Plea- 
santon had been informed, it was at least six miles to 
Fort Scott. Major Curtis and Major McKenny 
arrived in advance, and immediately exerted them- 
selves to have supplies forwarded to Generals Blunt 
and McNeil, to whom ordei's had been sent to 
bivouac. General McNeil had already done so, when 
General Blunt reached the front, and misunderstand- 
ing, or not receiving the order, moved his Division 
to Fort Scott. Meeting the supply train for himself 
and McNeil, by a further blunder, the wagon master 



238 AKMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

turned back, and thus tlie gallant troops of the 2d 
and 3rd Brigades were again left without food, which 
McNeil's did not obtain till the next morning. 

It was a busy night at Fort Scott, every one 
attached to the post being engaged in supplying the 
exhausted soldiery. All night long troops were 
arriving, the prisoners of Mine Creek with their 
escort bringing up the rear towards morning. The 
citizens exerted themselves to the utmost, what few 
remained at home. One lady, Mrs. Emmert, the 
wife of the editor, deserves especial credit for her 
unwearied hospitality which, during many hours, 
never flagged, and seemed exhaustless in abundant 
cheer and pleasant welcome to all. 

The enemy continued to fall back across the Mar- 
maton, whence their camp extended to the Dry wood, 
six miles south. The bold, vigorous and successful 
pursuit, the great disasters of the days, and the 
bivouac fires, which hazy and afar, told them of 
their enemj^'s presence, had greatly disheartened and 
almost utterly demoralized them. Had General 
Curtis' plans been followed, troops bivouacked when 
evening fell, supplies been brought from Fort Scott, 
and the 1st Division pushed to the front before day- 
light to attack them, their defeat would have been 
overwhelming:. No better evidence of this could be 
given than the fact, that during the night nearly 
four hundred wagons were burned by Price's own 
orders, with a large amount of ordnance and stores 
of all kinds. The noise of bursting shells, and 



CAPTUEE OF AMMUNITION, ETC. 239 

the llglit of tlie burniDg train, wliich was with the 
advance at Dry wood, was heard and seen by McNeil 
at Fort Scott. It was believed at both points, that 
a renewed attack had been made, and rumors of the 
capture of guns, etc., floated in on the sunrise. 
Their utter demoralization was made evident from 
an incident which occurred at a camp on the Little 
Drywood. Not knowing the cause of the explosion, 
a wild commotion ensued, in the midst of which a 
general officer rode up, exclaiming, " The Yankees 
are on us, boys ! the Yankees are on us ! save your- 
selves as best you can !" That brigade fled in 
utter disorder. At tliree in the morning, the rebels 
broke camp and resumed their retreat. At least 
forty wagons were left uninjured by the enemy, 
which, with their contents, were secured by 
McNeil next morning. A large flock of sheep were 
gathered up, that also had been abandoned. Among 
the spoils, were several wagon loads of small arms 
and ammunition, a twenty-four pound gun carriage, 
and a large quantity of arms, mess utensils, equip- 
ments, etc., were gathered along the first ten miles 
of their march. The fords on the Drywood were 
heavily obstructed by Price, and several hours were 
consulted by McNeil in removing them. Benteen 
with the 4th Brigade moved to Fort Scott, for sup- 
plies. McNeil pushed on towards Lamar, camping 
at Shanghai, twenty-seven miles from Fort Scott, 
that night. ^ 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

FORT SCOTT DURING THE IlSTVASIOIsr AND THE BATTLES 

OF THE 25Tn MARTIAL LAW ABOLISHED, AND 

MILITIA DISBANDED PROCLAMATIONS OF THE GOV- 
ERNOR. 

Next to Leavenwortli, the post of Fort Scott is tlie 
most important in Kansas. It was in greater clanger 
than any otlier point on the border during the inva- 
sion of Price. To insure its safety was the cause of 
most strenuous exertions ; while its capture was 
evidently one of Price's main objects in his south- 
ward movement. The scenes in and around- this 
place, form, therefore, no inconsiderable addition to 
the hlstoiy of the campaign. 

Owing to the foresight of Colonel Blair, the 
people of Bourbon county found themselves in an 
organized condition Avhen it was evident that a rebel 
army threatened them. In Fort Scott, four well 
drilled companies of militia responded to the call. 
Two belonged to the business community, one were 
the Quartermaster's employees, and one composed of 



FORT SCOTT THREATENED. 241 

colored men. Companies were also organized in tlie 
surrounding townsliips. On tlie lOtli of October, a 
regiment of militia encamped about the post. 
Colonel Blair, having turned tlie command of Ms 
sub-district over to Captain Vittum, 3rd Wisconsin 
Cavalry, took witli liim a battalion of militia under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Eves, witli otlier troops, and 
marclied to Hickman's Mills. Captain Vittum had 
with him about two hundred regular volunteers, 
belono; to diiferent Kansas regiments, awaitins; at 
this depot an opportunity to rejoin their regiments 
in the Department of Arkansas. There was also a 
small squad of colored artillerists, recruiting under 
First Lieutenant Wm. D. Mathews, colored, who was 
placed in command of all colored men called out 
there under proclamation of martial law. 

On Saturday night, the force at Fort Scott was 
augmented by the arrival of several companies from 
Allen county, under Colonel Twiss, and a battalion 
from Woodson county, under Major Goss. Brigadier- 
General John B. Scott arrived and took command of 
the militia. 

The first alarm occuri'ed on Monday morning, 
October 24th. About one o'clock A. M., one of the 
siege guns on Fort Blair gave forth its warning ; the 
drums beat to arms, and in a few moments all was 
in readiness. It was soon discovered that no imme- 
diate danger threatened Fort Scott ; but the occasion 
of the alarm was one that filled many hearts with 
sadness, for its nearest neighbor had met the dreaded 
30 



242 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

fate. Marmatou laad fallen before tlie common 
enemy. Soon after twelve o'clock on the morning 
of October 23rd, about one hundred and fifty rebels, 
under the command of a Major I. Piercy, attacked that 
town. The only force to oppose them was forty 
poorly armed citizens. The rebels approached so 
quietly that our men had barely time to get into 
line when they were fired upon. The fire was 
returned, and two bushwhackers wounded. The 
others fell back a short distance, but soon returned 
to the attack, driving the defenders out in disorder. 

The village was then sacked, and fire was set to 
the Methodist church, the stores of Aitken & 
Knowles, and of Cobb & Jones. The house of Mrs. 
Schaen, widow of an oflicer of the 10th Kansas, was 
also burned, Mrs. S. being savagely maltreated and 
robbed. Ten j)risoners were taken, stripped nearly 
naked, and shortly afterwards marched a short dis- 
tance, and, unarmed and defenceless, were fired uj^on. 
Six were killed, four escaped by running to the 
woods after the first fire. Those killed were Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Knowles, late of the 2d Kansas 
Colored Volunteers, Doctor L. M. Shadwick, who 
had also served, D. M. Bowen, Joseph Stout, Warren 
Hawkins and A. McGonigle. 

Upon receipt of this news. Captain Vittum imme- 
diately sent out what cavalry he had, in hopes of 
intercepting the gang, but failed to do so, and 
nothing more was heard until the news ai*rived that 
it had attacked a train on Cow Creek, coming nortli, 



ALAEMII^G EUMOES. 243 

burned several wagons, and robbed a large number 
of refugees of most of tbeir money. 

Monday came, and witli it increased anxiety. 
Those wbo lived in towns on tlie line of the enemy's 
retreat, not knowing but that the next hour would 
find their homes in ashes, and all they held dear, 
impoverished, dead or dying, can imagine the feeling 
that existed; one not so much that of anxiety for 
their own personal safety, as for that of their help- 
less families. 

During that day, innumerable rumors — some of 
them of the wildest character — were in circulation. 
The news had arrived of the defeat of the enemy at 
Westport, and of his retreat down the line. Tele- 
grams were received announcing this fact, and indi- 
cating, that unless our already wearied troops could 
flank them on the right, and turn them to the east, 
Fort Scott would be in great danger. In the morn- 
ing, some of the citizens imagined they heard 
artillery firing in the east, and about noon it was 
reported tliat General A. J. Smith had attacked the 
enemy's advance train at Pappinsville. It was also 
reported that the rebel Generals, Cooper and Gano, 
were coming up from the soutli with a large force, 
and marching in the direction of Fort Scott. These 
were samples only, and subsequently proved to be 
without foundation. 

In the meantime, the fortifications of the city 
were greatly strengthened. In addition to the sub- 
stantial works erected by General Curtis in the 



244 AEMT OF THE BOEDER. 

winter of '62-3, long lines of rifle pits were dug, tem- 
porary breastworks of sandbags made at the crossing 
of the Marmaton and elsewhere, blockhouses pnt in 
repair, and every possible preparation made for a 
desperate resistance. Night came — the night before 
the battles which decided the fate of South-east 
Kansas. Its visible gloom was but typical of that 
which gathered within the hearts of all. Every one 
slept on their arms, in the place assigned them. 
Sleepless vigils were kept in homes made heavy by 
the dread of the coming morn. 

During the night, dispatches were received from 
General Blunt and Colonel Blair, announcing the 
approach of the enemy, and bidding us be watchful. 
It had been confidently expected that Colonel Moon- 
light, with his brigade, would be able to reach Fort 
Scott that night, but the following dispatch dispelled 
that hope : 

" The enemy encamped six miles south-east of 
Mound City. I cannot reach you early in the morn- 
ino;. Thos. Moonlight." 

Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, of the Gth Kansas 
Cavalry arrived from Fort Smith that evening, and 
he being the ranking officer at the Post, Captain 
Vittum turned the command over to him. 

Colonel Campbell had been in command of a train 
from Fort Smith, which was attacked by the guer- 
rillas who had already sacked Marmaton, on their 
retreat from that place. The following dispatch 
announces the result : 



EXPECTATIONS OF ATTACK. 245 

Fort Scott, Oct. 24. 
Captain John Williams, A. A. General: 

Refugee's train from Fort Smith, escorted by detachment of 6th K. V. C, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, was attacked at Cow Creek by a party 
of Bushwhackers, and sixteen men killed, and part of the train burned. 

CAPTAIN VITTUM, Fort Scott. 

As soon as tlie day dawned, the house-tops and 
different elevations were crowded with anxious men 
and women, gazing at the hills north of the city, 
expecting each moment to see the enemy. Bodies 
of cavalry could be seen, and for a time it was 
believed the desperate hour had arrived, and that 
the force then in view was the advance of the enemy. 
Men grasped their weapons and prepared for defence. 
Women and children made ready for dej)arture to a 
place of safety, in case the city was shelled. But 
fortunately, the alarm was groundless, the force in 
view being the Allen and Woodson County Cavalry, 
who had been stationed there the night before. 

The hours passed by, the day wore on, noon came, 
and still no enemy ; but his approach seemed 
certain, for our scouts brought information that he 
had passed south from the Marias des Cygnes that 
morning. It was only a question of time, which was 
the more oppressive from its uncertainty. 

Nothing was yet known of the victories at the 
Marias des Cygnes, Osage and Mine Creek, and but 
little doubt existed that our army had fiiiled to turn 
the retreating foe from his line of march. The 
very fact of his being on the retreat, instead of 
being a guarantee of safety, made (to those who recol- 
lected the history of such events) the fate of the 



240 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

city seem more terrible, unless he were pressed too 
closely, to make a stand long enougli to attack where 
any resistance was made. 

It should have been stated before that the Govern- 
ment stores, had been sent out under escort of the 
Quartermaster's employees. Small trains, however, 
had been detained, and the wagons used to barricade 
the streets. 

The hours of the afternoon wore on more and 
more terribly. Up to noon our telegraphic commu- 
nication had been kept open. But it was then 
kept severed, after the rebels had sent several 
confused dispatches, which succeeded only in 
awakening suspicion. Most of the women and 
children had been removed. A few ladies, however, 
determined to stay till the last moment, in hopes of 
being of use to the wounded, as they were in 
encouraging the defenders. 

The sun moved towards the west. Several scout- 
ing parties were out, one of whom captured and 
brouglit into town three prisoners. About four 
o'clock. Colonel Blair arrived, and was greeted with 
the most earnest demonstrations of esteem and 
gladness ; for not only had they confidence in him as 
a soldier, but the news he brought of Price having 
turned east ended a most painful suspense. 

Shortly after, Colonel Moonlight arrived with his 
wearied but indomitable command. Every prepara- 
tion was then made to get supplies for the exhausted 



MAKTIAL LAW ABOLISHED. 247 

army, by whose valor tlie post and people had been 
saved. 

Soon the following dispatch was received, thus 
giving the first authentic intelligence of the victory 
at Mine Creek and Little Osage. Colonel Cloud, 
after the latter engagement, had withdra^^n from 
the pursuit, and proceeded to I'epair the telegraph in 
the vicinity of Fort Lincoln and Mound City. 

Battle-Field, Neau Mound City, Oct. 25. 

To Commanding Officer at Fort Scott : 

A battle and a victory near Mound City. We captured five guns. Gen- 
erals Marmadulte and Caball captured; also many prisoners. We are still 
pursuing. The rebels are retreating towards Fort Scott. We hope to keep 
them from reaching you. 

(By permission) W. F. CLOUD, 

Colonel & A. D. C. 

General Scott, of the State militia, had withdrawn 
the militia from the place previous to Colonel 
Moonlight's arrival. They returned after learning 
the news. 

As soon as General Curtis reached the post, 
anxious to relieve the people of Kansas from the 
toil and sacrifice they had borne for fifteen days, the 
f olio win o; order was issued : 

Head-Quarters, Department of Kansas, } 
In the Field, Fort Scott, October 25, 18G4. J 
General Order, [ 
No. 57. <j 

Fifteen days ago, apprehending an assault upon my Department by Major- 
General Sterling Price, commanding a force of 20 to 30,000 rebels, intent 
upon a devastation and plundering of the State of Kansas, I deemed" it 
necessary to proclaim martial law within this State, and in the country 
occupied by my forces, in order to secure a sufficient force, with the aid of 
the Governor, to avert disasters and maintain the honor and power of the. 
Federal Government within my Department. The enemy having been beaten 
in several battles, driven below the settlements of Kansas, all danger of the 
State from that invasion, which seems to have ended, and the restrictions 
and burthens incident to martial law no longer necessary in my command; 
General Order No. 54 is therefore rescinded. 

(Signed) S. R. Curtis, Major- General. 



248 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

The militia were then relieved. Brigadier-General 
Fisliback, who had accompanied the 4th Brigade, 
was directed to return to his head-qnarters at Paola, 
holding his command in readiness to repel raids, tfec. 
General Davies was placed in temporary command of 
the District of South Kansas, while General Blunt 
pursued the enemy. Colonel Sears was directed to 
remove the prisoners to Leavenworth. No resume 
of events occurring at this post would be comj^lete 
without some detail of the operations of the Quarter- 
master Depot, under charge of Captain M. H. Insley, 
U. S. A. 

With all his transportation in constant use, Capt. 
Insley was sorely pressed, and was often unable to 
meet the demands made upon him, constantly 
increasing and urgent, for supplies. This was 
especially the case after the rebel retreat south of 
Fort Scott. 

The danger to the depot and supplies were so 
great, that Captain Insley was directed by the Com- 
manding General to have everything in readiness for 
evacuation, and to i-emove at once all heavy articles. 
This movement would have aroused and completed a 
panic among tlie citizens. Captain Insley, in the 
exercise of a wise discretion allowed him, retained 
the Government property till the last moment, and 
by this act and his presence, keep the citizens quiet, 
and hastened on preparations for defense, inciting all 
to hold out to the last. When the alarm was given 
on the night of the 24th, it was quite evident that 





^/Z-^r^^c^^ 




&DVER1SI0R OF KA^ISA 



REMOVAL OF THE STOEES. 249 

necessity for prompt action existed. Everything 
had been for sometime in readiness. Only a handful 
of men, less than eight hundred, were at the post, 
and it was determined to get the Government prop- 
erty away without delay. Through the night of 
rain and storm, every one worked clieerfully, and the 
morning saw long trains Avending their way to the 
North-west, into the interior of the State. Two 
million dollars of Government property, was thus 
transported to a place of safety. The train remained 
absent till the 3rd of November. 

This removal, naturally and largely, increased the 
onerous labors imposed upon Captain Insley, after 
the pursuit was resumed by General Curtis. With- 
out teams, wagons, or employees, for nearly all were 
off with the stores. Captain Insley pressed all the 
citizens' teams that could be found, and giving them 
half loads, sent them after the rapidly moving army, 
under escort of Lieutenant Ehle, 3rd Wisconsin, 
Captain Young, 5th Kansas, and others. His 
energy greatly reduced the suffering of our troops, 
though from the rapidity of our march, the insuf- 
ficiency of transportation, and the impoverished con- 
dition of the country through which, we passed, it 
was impossible to entirely supply them. 

As we again take up the pursuit, the Proclamation 
and Order of the Governor, and of Major-General 
Deitzler, are here inserted. They belong to this 
pliase of the narrative, and fitly close the record of 
the militia and its services : 
31 



250 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Executive Department, ) 

Topeka, Kansas, Oct. 27, 1864. J 

No invader's foot treads the soil of Kansas. Price and his robber horde 
have fled ingloriously before our gallant soldiery. I congratulate you. It is 
cause for congratulation to the State and to the country, for the defeat of 
the marauders is sweeping and complete. 

Commanders of brigades, regiments, battalions and companies, will march 
with their respective commands to tJie counties to which tlieir respective 
commands belong, and there disband them, making a carefpl record of the 
term of service of each man, and see to it especially that proper receipts 
are given for all property taken or received, while in the field, on on their 
march homeward, so that each man may obtain pay for all service rendered, 
or means furnished, during the time the militia of the State have been in 
active service. I cannot, however, direct this order to be issued, without 
paying an earnest tribute to you, citizens of Kansas. The call upon the 
militia of the State was written on Saturday night, the 8th, and published 
on Monday, tlie 10th of October. You answered it with alacrity. You left 
business, the farm, the shop, the office, the pulpit, at a season of the year 
when every material interest called upon j'ou to remain at home, and self- 
support almost demanded it. 

Seizing your arms and securing your ammunition, you marched to the 
border, and in less than three days presented a defiant front, full tifteeu 
thousand strong, to the rebel foe. You stood together ready to hurl him 
back. Never did citizen soldiers show greater promptness, or spring to arms 
with sterner will. The fire and spirit of the heroic blazed out in all your 
conduct. It will be an example to arouse the courageous and stimulate the 
daring. Citizen soldiers of Kansas, the present will remember, and the 
future cherish, j^our gallant, your self-sacrificing action. 

THOS. CARNEY, Governor. 



PROCLAMATION. 

Executive Department, ) 

Topeka, October 27, 1864. J 

By the combined courage and energy of Kansas and of Federal troops, 
under Divine Providence, the State has been saved from a devastating raid. 
If the foe has trod our soil, it has been only as a routed enemy. Defeat and 
disaster have followed his steps, and he has fallen and failed before the 
dashing gallantry and heroic action of our brave men. Now, therefore, I, 
Thomas CarneJ^ Governor of the State of Kansas, do recommend, that Sun- 
day, the 30th of October, be observed as a day of Thanksgiving and Prayer. 

Let praise be given to Almighty God, because He has turned aside the 
marauder and the murderer; because He has saved the sacking of our cities 
and tlie plundering of our people; because, above all, He has preserved 
them from bloody hands and a traitorous foe. 

Let prayers be offered to Him for the recovery of the wounded, and the 
afflicted of the martyred dead who fell nobly doing a soldier's and a patriot's 
duty. Let prayers go up to Him, that the hands of the evil doers may be 
smitten, and they no longer be permitted to rend a free people, and wet this 
once happy land further with human blood. 

Let all the people beseech Him whose breath is our life, and whose will is 
our law, that peace may soon bless the Republic, one and undivided, upon 
the benign and christian basis of universal freedom. 

THOS. CARNEY, Governor. 



GEISTEEAL ORDEES. 251 

GENERAL ORDERS. 

Head-Qbarteks Kansas State Militia, ) 
ToPEKA, Kansas, October 29, 1864. J 

I. Commanders of regiments and detachments called into active service 
by the proclamation of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, of the Sth of 
October, will cause to be made out and fowarded to these head-quarters, 
immediately, a complete and accurate report, showing the number of men 
that turned out and are entitled to pay, and the number of animals and 
the amount of transportation actually used in the service under said proc- 
lamation. 

They will also muster for pay, at as early a day as practicable, the militia 
thus called out, making a separate roll of such persons, including negroes, 
as are not liable to military duty under the militia laws of Kansas, but were 
ordered into the service by proclamation of Major-General Curtis, declaring 
martial law. Blank muster and pay-rolls will be furnished, upon applica- 
tion at these head-quarters. 

II. All claims for subsistence, forage, fuel and transportation, will be 
made out in proper form and forwarded, as directed by the Governor, to 
Major-General Geo. W. Deitzler, at Lawrence. Persons presenting such 
claims will be required to furnish the receipt of the regimental or battalion 
quarter-master, by whom the supplies or transportation were taken or 
employed, or make affidavit to the correctness of the claims, and that the 
articles were really taken by militia, giving, if possible, the number of the 
regiment, or the name of its commander. 

III. Claims for horses lost in the service, must be sustained by the cer- 
tificate, under oath, of at leavSt three credible and disinterested persons, set- 
ting forth the value of the animal lost in the service. 

IV. Vouchers will be given for all claims allowed, and will be paid by 
the General Government upon the approval of Major-General Curtis. 

The General Commanding, desires to tender his tribute of praise and 
express his pride to the citizen soldiery of Kansas, who, at the first signal of 
alarm, marched to the scene of tln-eatened danger, with an alacrity and 
enthusiasm, which has no parallel in history, leaving homes and occupations 
to the care of the women and children, the decrepid and infirm, in the holy 
zeal for the welfare of the State, and who bore themselves, almost without 
a murmur, through the fearful crisis, suffering all the hardships and priva- 
tions incident to the season, without tents or a sufficient supply of blankete, 
and camp and garrison equipage, with a virtuous gallantry, and who, when 
victory had crowned our cause, returned quietly to their homes to enjoy the 
deliverance purchased, under the guidance of God, by their self-sacrificing 
and noble action. 

The conduct of the people of Kansas in the campaign just ended, chal- 
lenges the admiration of every loyal and patriotic mind, and furnislies an 
example which, if followed, a similar outpouring of the people of tlie North- 
ern States, would certamjy, effectually and speedily crush this wicked rebel- 
hon, together with its cause. 

While we mourn the loss of the gallant dead, who sleep quietly in honored 
graves, and deeply sympathize with the wounded and the bereaved, we 
have cause to congratulate ourselves that our casualties are so light, aud 
also, that the threatened invasion is not entirely without compensating 
benefits. 

It has developed the military spirit of our people, and inspired full confi- 
dence in our power and ability to successfully defend the State. It has 
given arms and equipments complete, to nearly e\ery-man in Kansas, and 
to-day we can safely boast that we have a better militia establislnnent tlian 
any State in the Union. Tiie enemy is not ignorant of these acts, and it is 



252 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

confidently believed, he will not again venture an attempt to overrun Kansas. 
It is gratifying to observe, too, that large portions of two classes of notori- 
ous and peace disturbing characters — bushwhackers, and the wives and 
families of rebel officers and soldiers — have accompanied Price to Texas. 
The removal of so large a number of rebel women, whose influence was 
vastly more pernicious than that of twice the same number of men, will 
tend to lessen the danger of another invasion, confederate soldiers having no 
longer the inducement to make annual visits to their families in Missouri. 

The expenses incurred by the campaign, though amounting to millions in 
the aggregate, will not prove a heavy burthen on the State. By direction 
of Major-G-eneral Curtis — to whose kind co-operation and well directed 
energy in furnishing arras and other supplies, without which our efforts 
would necessarily have been feeble, we should cheerfully accord a full 
measure of our triumphant success — the General Government will assume 
the largest item of expense, such as subsistence, forage, fuel and transporta- 
tion, and it is more than probable that the General Government will re-kn- 
burse the State for the pay proper of the militia. 
By order of 

GEO. W. DEITZLER, 

Major- General K. S. M. 

John T. Morton, A. A. G. 

That the exertions of General Curtis were fully 
and gratefully appreciated by the State authorities, 
in spite of the misunderstanding at the beginning, 
is evident from the following extracts from the 
reports of various officers. The State Adjutant 
General says : 

"The Commandiug General of the Department, with due appreciation and 
proper feeling, held the militia, as far as possible, in reserve, and in guard- 
ing such defensive positions, as would probably lead to the least sacrifice of 
life; using his regular troops for those decisive movements in battle upon 
which great issues depend, and in which large fatalitj^ may be expected. In 
this he was celebrated — first, by the militarj^ consideration that his veteran 
and experienced troops were more to be depended upon in the moment of 
peril than the militia; and secondly, from the humane consideration, that 
owing to the peculiar relationship sustained by the militia to their families 
and the State, he would preserve them as far as possible from the dangers of 
the battle field, and would only rush them into the deadly conflict, when tlie 
fortunes of the day demanded every sacrifice. The militia of our. State will 
duly appreciate the consideration of the General, and while he must honor 
them for the alacrity with which they sprang to his support, they will honor 
Mm that he did not inconsiderately, or needlessly, jeopardize their lives." 

General Deitzler thus expresses his thanks : 

"I cannot close my report without expressing, in behalf of the people 
of Kansas, my grateful acknowledgements for the distinguished services 
rendereu in the campaign against Price's plundering and marauding 
army, by that noble patriot and gallant chieftain, Major-General S. R. Curtis. 



EXPRESSION OF THANKS. 253 

Always at his post, and ever watchful of the interests entrusted to his oare, 
he saw the threatened danger, even before the invaders appeared at Pilot 
Knob, and was the first to sound the tocsin of alarm. * * * Turning 
a deaf ear to the schemes of politicians and office seekers who followed the 
army, he manifested a singleness of purpose, and a devotion to duty, 
rarely witnessed. 

"To the knowledge and ripe experience in military afiTairs, the vigilance 
and energy of Major-General Curtis, and his kind co-operation in furnishing 
arms and ammunition, and the necessary supplies to the militia, Kansas owes 
in a great measure her preservation from the devastating hands of a ruthless 
foe; and to him we tender our sincere thanks." 

General James H. Lane, who served to the night 
of the 26th, with" General Curtis, thus speaks on the 
same subject : 

' ' I cannot close this report, without expressing the thanks of the people 
of Kansas for the gallant defense made of our State. 

"Devastation, ruin and rapine, threatened our border towns; an insolent 
and hopeful foe had placed himself without interruption within a day's 
march of our chief city; his avowed purpose was to sack and burn wherever 
he touched our soil. He was met, checked, beaten back aud finally put to 
rout by the skill and energy of the Commanding General, and the mdomita- 
ble, persistent and dogged fighting of our volunteers and militia. 

" It would be impossible to mention particular instances of meritorious 
conduct, where all did so well, without seeming injustice to some, and I 
therefore reluctantly refrain from ooing so. 

"The Statesof the great North-west, whose troops participated in this brief 
but important campaign, have added another to the long list of brilliant 
achievements won by them during the war. 

"To the militia of my own State, who sprung to arms with the alacrity 
of other days, at the approach of the foe, I will be permitted to tender 
special thanks. Going out without the hope of fee or reward, some have 
fallen, others have been maimed for life, while all have testified their devo- 
tion to the common cause, and their love for our gallant young .State. To 
one and all of these, let us be ever grateful.*' 

The arrival of the large number of rebel prisoners 
in Fort Scott, excited both citizens and soldiers to a 
high degree. The former, especially, were greatly 
wrought up by the outrages committed in Linn and 
Bourbon counties. Especially were the general 
officers objects of curiosity aud denunciation. 
Marmaduke had made himself peculiarly infamous 
by his daring raids, aud the atrocities which accom- 
panied them. General Curtis having ordered them 



254 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

to Fort Leavenworth, where new prison buildings 
had been erected, gave directions also to retain the 
General and field ofiicers in the same custody and 
treatment as that received by the rank and file. 
Also not to permit any violence or discourtesy to be 
offered them. 

Marmaduke complained of this treatment. After 
General Curtis resumed the pursuit, General Plea- 
santon removed the principal prisoners, Generals 
Marmaduke and Cabell, Colonel Jeftards, and othei's, 
to the hotel where he himself w^as staying. This 
excited much feeling and indignation, it being 
charged that Federal oncers were dispossessed of 
iheir rooms to accommodate the rebel prisoners. 
Captain Hall, 2d Colorado, was in immediate charge 
of the prisoners. He had orders from General 
Curtis to march immediately. General Pleasanton 
ordered him to remain in Fort Scott until he could 
hear from General Rosecrans, reported on his way 
there. That officer being senior, his orders would 
supersede those of General Curtis. The latter, find- 
ing General Rosecrans did not reach the front, as- 
sumed command of General Pleasanton's force. 
General Curtis had directed all the previo^is move- 
ments, but had not assumed direct command. 
General Pleasanton, taking ground that, so far as he 
was concerned, the campaign was over, necessitated 
the formal assumption by General Curtis, as he 
would have to take the responsibility. General 
Pleasanton sent a dispatch on the 27th, acquiescing 



EEMOVAL OF PEISOISTERS. 255 

in ttis ari'angement, informing General Curtis tliat 
he had ordered Sanborn and Benteen to move in 
pni'suit, and stating tliat liis health prevented him 
keeping the field, and a surgeons certificate to that 
eifect. He also reported that the prisoners would 
be removed to Fort Leavenworth. General Curtis' 
motive in directino; this removal was founded on a 
wish to effect an exchange with Price at an early 
day. Leavenworth would be more convenient than 
St. Louis. 

The latter was then in communication with Gen- 
eral Rosecrans, and urged and obtained an order 
fi'om him directing himself (Pleasanton) to proceed 
to St. Louis, via Warrensburg, Mo., with prisoners 
and captured guns. 

General Rosecrans had followed closely in the rear 
of Pleasanton, reaching the neighborhood of Little 
Santa Fe the da)^ of the battles in Kansas. Llere 
he was overtaken by Lieutenant Robinson, Chief 
Engineer on Department Staff, who, accompanied by 
Colonel Ellithorpe, editor of the Leavenworth 
Conservative^ and an escort, was pushing forward to 
rejoin General Curtis, They had been delayed in 
gathering the entrenching tools, etc., used at Big 
Blue and Kansas City. General Rosecrans desired 
that they would travel with him. The Engineer 
party did so that day (the 25th). General Rosecrans 
had a cavalry escort of about one thousand men, and 
camped early in the afternoon. Next morning the 
march was not resumed till seven A. M,, and the 



256 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

command went into camp after making twelve miles. 
Lieutenant Kobinson, finding tliat at this rate lie 
would not overtake troops following an enemy 
marching sixty miles per day, left Rosecrans' camp 
and puslied forward to Fort Scott, camping on Mine 
Creek tliat night, the 26th. General Rosecrans was 
very coarse in his criticisms of General Curtis' 
movements, saying in the hearing of Colonel Elli- 
thorpe, among other things, that " old Curtis 
appeared to be driving Price back again into 
Missouri." This criticism coukl have come only 
from a jealous natuj'e, as the folly of allowing a rebel 
army to ravage Kansas was too plain to be disputed. 
He also declared that his method of marching was 
the thing ; that such racing as Price's coukl not be 
kept up, and that his infantry would have to come 
up and finish the job. He also designated the 
Kansas troops as Border ruffians, and said he under- 
stood that Jim Lane was running: the machine. 
Finding, however, that the "racing" was kept up, 
General Rosecrans turned back in disgust, returning 
to St. Louis ; on his way there, however, withdraw- 
ing his troops from the face of the enemy, as will be 
seen hereafter. 

General A. J. Smith, of the 17th Army Corps, 
who with the infantry division had pressed closely 
behind Pleasanton, reaching Independence the 
morning of the 24th, was by General Rosecrans 
directed to move in pursuit by way of Harrisonville, 
thus throwing him out of the direct line of pursuit, 



MOVEMENT OF GENERAL A. J. SMITH. 257 

and by moving east preventing General Smitli from 
rendering any service in tlie defeat of Price, a result 
wliich must have greatly chagrined that sturdy old 
fighter. 




wammjiujuamum 



.^-'battleghound 



CHAPTEK XIX. 



PUESUIT FEOM FOET SCOTT BATTLE OF NEWTONIA 

GENEEAL EOSECEANS' OEDEES CONSEQUENT ABAJf- 

DONMENT OF THE PUESUIT. 



Gekeeal Cuetis left Fort Scott at an early hour on 
tlie morning of the 26th, accompanied by the 
Brigade of Colonel Moonlight, taking the direct road 
to Lamar and Carthage. 

General Blunt followed soon after, accompanied 
by the Brigades of Colonels Jennison and Ford. 
The 1st Division was reduced in numbers, but 
rendered more effective for its work by leaving 
behind all worn out men and animals. But four 
guns of the Colorado Battery were taken ; horses in 
good condition being had for that number and the 
guns of the 9th Wisconsin Battery. Captain Dodge 
reported all the men of his command fit for field 
duty. The section of the Colored Battery, Lieuten- 
ant Minor, was relieved. Captain Lisley, A. Q. M., 
was ordered to forward, in all, 50,000 rations for 
the troops, and the same amount of corn for the 
animals. In pursuance of this order, an extensive 



260 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

foray was made upon the farmers and owners of 
teams, who were incontinently pressed into service 
and sent with the supplies. 

General McNeil, as before stated, had followed 
close upon the track of the retreating foe. He 
crossed at Adamson's Ford of the Drywood, eight 
miles east of Fort Scott. His progress was here 
delayed several hours by the obstructions made by the 
enemy. The demoralization of the enemy was most 
plainly visible, from the ruined and abandoned 
material everywhere scattered around. The ex- 
hausted troops of General McNeil, who had then 
been without supplies for three days, marched that 
day twenty-seven miles, bivouacking at Shanghai, 
where General Curtis camped. Arriving there at 
nine P. M., their exhaustion was so complete and 
utter, that much excitement was manifested when it 
was found that the general subsistence train had not 
arrived. Major Hunt, of the general staff, finding 
that a train belonging to head-quarters had arrived 
in the night, took upon himself the responsibility of 
issuing these supplies to the famished troops. 

The rebel trail was struck at this point. The 
troops now assembled, and in direct pursuit, were the 
Division of General Blunt, consisting of the Brigades 
of Colonels Jenuison, Ford and Moonlight, and the 
Brio;ade of General McNeil. Colonel Blair's militia 
had been relieved by the order abolishing martial 
law, and he resumed the command of his post. 
General Lane, Colonel Crawford, Colonel Cloud, 



EELEASE OF PEISOJSTEES DEMANDED. 261 

Colonel Ritchie, with otlier members of tlie Volun- 
teer Staff, were relieved here and returned to Kansas 
to resume the active political canvass, which the call 
" To arms " had suspended. 

The Brigade of Colonel Benteen had moved to 
Fort Scott, and, with that of General Sanborn, 
resumed the pursuit on the 27th. The latter moved 
direct towards Newtonia ; Colonel Benteen on the 
Neosho, or Line road. 

Nothing of special importance occurred on the 
SYth, except increasing evidence of the hasty retreat 
of the rebels. We marched from Shanghai to Coon 
Creek, where the command halted for several hours, 
then made a nis^ht march to Cartha2:e, marchinc: this 
day forty miles. 

Escaped prisoners came into our lines during the 
day, and reported that the Kansas militia and 
others were bein^ marched without proper food and 
treatment, so that many were almost demented from 
famine, and liable at any moment to fall from utter 
exhaustion. This fact, and reported cases of cruelty, 
determined General Curtis to send a flag of truce to 
the rebel commander, demanding a release of all 
prisoners, on the ground that his march prevented 
that humane treatment and care of them required by 
the laws of war. Major McKenny was ordered with 
an escort on this duty. From the condition of the 
enemy, as reported by those captured on the road 
and their escaped prisoners, it was believed that 
Price mischt be induced to surrender. 



263 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

Cartilage has become a name famous in Missomi. 
Among the first victories of the war, was that gained 
here by Sigel. Other encounters have lent their 
interest to this point. The village, formerly hand- 
some and well built, is now but a mass of charred 
ruins ; some fevr remaining buildings having been 
fired by the enemy the previous day. Quite a num- 
ber of their sick and wounded were left here, and at 
every house between it and Newtonia, one or more 
were found abandoned by their comrades. Instances 
of barbarous cruelty were not unfrequent. After 
leaving Carthage, among the first objects that met 
the eye, was the form of a negro, with his skull half 
blown off, evidently by a gun placed so near as to 
singe the hair in the discharge. It was acts such as 
these, as well as charges of murdering their comrades 
after being wounded, that induced the hanging of a 
couple of wounded rebels found in a house a few 
miles from Carthage, where the advanced brigade 
(Colonel Jennison's) had halted for camp. The act 
was cowardly and dastardly, whoever was guilty 
thereof. Yet with rude men, whose passions were 
aroused by such sights and acts, some palliation may 
be offered. For the ofiicers who encouraged it, none 
can be given. This act, and others, were afterwards 
made the subject of investigation. As we pro- 
ceeded, the poverty and even destitution of the 
inhabitants became daily more evident. 

General Blunt' s Division held the advance. The 
advance guard was composed of the 16 th Kansas, 



WITHDEAWAL OP FLAG OF TRUCE. 263 

under Major Ketner. Major McKenuy, witli tlie 
flag of truce party, after a ride of some ten or twelve 
miles, came in sight of the enemy's rear. This was 
five miles from GranLy, famous as the centre of the 
South-west Missouri Lead mines. 

A courier reached the front at this time, with 
orders from General Blunt to take down the flao- 
which was done. Major McKenny with his escort, 
in conjunction with Companies " G," Captain Hall, 
" A" and " B," Captains Ames and Wright, moved 
forward rapidly. Major Ketner in command. The 
enemy appeared to be al)out two hundred strong, 
and were strongly posted on a hill and near a small 
belt of timber. Skirmishers were thrown forward 
to develop the enemy's strength and intentions. 
They immediately fell back, and were briskly pur- 
sued, until beyond the town of Granby, when Major 
Ketner halted till the arrival of Colonel Ford, with 
the balance of brigade. This, and the brigade of 
Jennison (then under the command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Hoyt) w^ere all the troops in advance. 
Colonel Moonlight had obtained permission to feed 
at a field near the line of march. Subsequently, 
General McNeil halted and fed his brigade, by direc- 
tion of General Curtis, who believing at first the 
whole division was halted, countenanced the delay. 
General Sanborn came up while these troops were 
halted, and by direction of General Curtis, pushed 
forward on the trot to the assistance of General 
Blunt. 



264 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

To return to the movements in front. At Granby 
we learned tliat the entire rebel army was then at 
Newtonia, a few miles to the south. General Price 
had left this village only a short time before our 
advance entered. The women and children reported 
him as defiant, leaving a message, that we could have 
all the fighting we wanted at Newtonia. 

As this was the last point on the line of retreat 
where grain could be obtained, it was evident that 
the rebel commander had determined to make a stand 
here for the purpose of. obtaining supplies and rest- 
ing his exhausted stock. He still had a considerable 
army, over 20,000 strong, though evidence of deple- 
tion was quite strong in our rear. Numerous trails 
in the direction of Cow Creek and Spring River, 
showed that guerrillas were falling off and seeking 
their haunts. 

With the ready instinct of a genuine fighter. 
General Blunt determined to push forward with the 
small force at his disposal, and engage the enemy, 
trusting to the arrival of other troops to complete 
the rout which he predetermined upon. The little 
column, less than a thousand strong, with McLain's 
four giius and Patterson's mountain howitzers, was 
moved forward at the trot. 

The road was hilly, and bordered by scrub oaks 
and undergrowth. At last we reached the brow of 
a precipitous bluff, where j:he road di^js into the 
extensive plain, on which the town of Newtonia is 
situated. This plain or valley, is almost enclosed. 



DESCEIN^T INTO THE VALLEY. 265 

South, the land rises abruptly, as in the direction we 
were moving. West, the road to Neoslio winds 
along the foot of the Ozark Spurs. In the eastern 
portion of the valley is the town of Newtonia, whose 
streets we could see filled with men. The , smoke 
rising from the steam flouring mill told that the 
enemy were at work. South and west of the village 
could be seen extensive camps and trains, at a dis- 
tance of from two to three miles. 

The guns of the Colorado Battery were brought 
to the front, placed in position on the ])row of the 
bluff, and opened on the enemy, who could now be 
seen formed in line of battle in the open valley 
directly west of the town, and of a large corn-field 
enclosed by a stone wall. 

The 16tli Kansas and 2d Colorado, in all less than 
six hundred men, were formed in line of battle, and 
at a gallop descended into the valley, moving on the 
enemy with unwavering front, General Blunt with 
his staff and small escort taking the lead. Major 
Chariot, Assistant Adjutant General of the army, 
reported for duty on the field, and did gallant and 
efiicient service as Aide. 

As the slender line plunged into the valley, the 
1st Brigade, under Colonel Hoyt, came up and 
formed in support of the battery, wdiicli continued 
to fire with good effect u]3on the rel^el lines. When 
we first moved, the enemy appeared in small force at 
our front, but as our little force deployed, the 16th 
Kansas advancing as skirmishers, it became very 
33 



266 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. 

evident that we were in for a struggle witli tlie 
entire fighting strengtli of the rebel army. 

General Blunt, revolver in hand, with the mem- 
bers of his personal staff- and volunteer aides, 
animated the men with his dauntless courage. 
Kiding to the very front of our skirmish line, now 
briskly engaged, he personally superintended the 
movements. Sergeant Patterson, with four howit- 
zers, was placed on our extreme right, in advance, 
and did most excellent service, pouring canister into 
a heavy flanking column, with which the rebel com- 
mander was seeking to turn our right. The engage- 
ment became general and severe. Our men had the 
advantage, though the disparity of numbers was so 
great, in superior arms. Our breech-loadei'S, with, 
the perfect coolness of men and officers, for a time 
fully compensated the other deficiency. The only 
purpose now was to hold the tide of battle at its full 
until the balance of the Division and McNeil should 
arrive. General Bluut had expected when his 
advance was made to be quickly supported by 
McNeil, who was supposed to be close in his rear, 

The battery left on the bluff had maintained a 
rapid fire until our line was endangered. Captain 
McLain tlien reported to Colonel Hoyt, who, without 
waiting for orders, moved to the support of Ford's 
Brigade. The effective strength of both brigades 
had been greatly reduced by the rapidit}^ of the 
movement after the enemy. One-tbird of the force 



COXJEAGE OF GENERAL BLUNT. 267 

were unable to keep up, and came straggling to tlie 
field for tlie next liour or more, 

Tlie 1st Bric:ade formed on rio-lit of Colonel Ford, 
with the battery in the centre. The execution of the 
Parrotts was here quite indifferent, overshooting as 
they did, the force with which we were engaged. 
Much damage was however done the rebels scattered 
through the timlDer to the south. 

From the first moment of our appearance on the 
bluff, the enemy commenced hasty preparations for 
leaving. General Shelby, who was in command on 
the field, seeing very clearly that the rapidity of the 
pursuit had scattered and weakened our force, 
believed that he could give us a severe check, raise 
the spirits of the dejected army, and secure a safe 
and uninterrupted retreat. But, great as were the 
odds in his favor, he reckoned without his host. The 
personal courage of the Union commander on this 
day was equivalent to a whole brigade. General 
Blunt never faltered or doubted. Upon this very 
field had he won his first laurels as a General, and 
here he was determined they should be I'enewed. 
His example was contagious. That little line of 
nine hundred men met and beat back every attempt 
to defeat it made by the rebel force of eight or ten 
thousand nov/ concentrated at its front. Men and 
horses fell thick and fast. Still the deadly storm 
continued. The rebels had early opened a well 
directed fire from a couple of rifled guns on their 
left, and replied to our plunging howitzer fire, by one 



268 AKMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

almost as effective. The integrity of our line was as 
much insured by the skill and energy of Sergeant 
Patterson and his light artillery, as by the cool 
audacity of all on the field. 

The afternoon waned ; the sun sunk towards the 
west ; no assistance arrived. Our first line of battle 
had been formed beyond and to the west of the 
northern portion of the town and corn-field before 
mentioned. The flanking movement on our right had 
been checked by the heavy fire from the howitzers 
of Colonel Hoyt's command. It now became certain 
that we were in imminent dani>:er of being; flanked 
by columns through the corn-field and town, when 
General Blunt sent orders to Captain McLain to fall 
back about three hundred yards, to a ]3osition near 
some lone trees, whence opening on the rebel right, 
he was to cover the falling back of our force, and 
the formation of a second line of battle. This move- 
ment was finally accomplished, and the flanking 
operations of the rebels checked. It was not done 
however, without some confusion and loss. Captain 
McLain moving his guns at a gallop to the position 
assigned, came nearly creating a panic in a battalion 
of the 15th, at the time of falling back. in pursuance 
of orders. For the first time in the campaign, a line 
of stragglers could be seen making their way 
towards the rear. Major Chariot, Colonel Burris, 
Captain Hinton, and Captain Tough, Chief Scout, 
exerted themselves efficiently to stay this movement. 
Most of those who retired were wounded, and many 



FAILUEE OF EEBELS TO CHAEGE. 269 

of these returned to tlie field. The formidable array 
at the front, and the failure of support from the 
brigades behind, might well have made the most 
dauntless quail. 

In the ranks of the enemy, the utmost exertions 
were made by the leading officers, to bring their 
men to a charge. So overwhelming was their force, 
that such an event must have produced disaster to 
us. Among the most conspicuous in these efforts, 
was an officer of splendid proportions, finely mounted 
on a white horse, who, bareheaded, and sabre in 
hand, rode furiously up and down the rebel lines, 
cheering on the men and exposing himself heedlessly 
to the utmost peril of the strife. We afterwards 
learned this was Lieutenant-Colonel Reefe, of 
Fayetteville, commanding Munroe's Arkansas Kegi- • 
ment. At last he succeeded in shaming his men 
into an effort. As the 2d Colorado was slowly 
moving back to the second position, whence McLain 
was now belching forth his thunders, the quick eye 
of Captain Green detected a suspicious formation 
and movements. Without waiting for orders, he 
brought two companies by " fours right about," and 
made a counter-charge, before which the rebels flew 
precipitately, in spite of the orders and denuncia- 
tions of their commanders. The exploits performed 
by our troops at preceding engagements, had lent an 
wholesome dread of their prowess. Colonel Reefe 
received many complimentar}^ volleys from our line, 
but seemed to bear a charmed life. 



270 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. 

The rebel fire slackened somewhat, as we became 
well established in our second position. We had now 
been on the field — holding it with but a handful of 
men, yet defiant and confident — for over two hours. 
The sunset's crimson tints were lighting the western 
horizon ; the evening damps began to chill the com- 
batants. The enemy, it was evident, were preparing 
for another attempt at flanking our left. In this 
event General Blunt determined to retire to the 
blufi:", whence he knew the enemy could not drive 
him, and there await reinforcements. 

At this juncture, General Sanborn, in advance of 
his command, was met at the foot of the bluif, by 
Captain Hinton, General Blunt' s Aid, and hastily 
informed of the position of afi!'airs. It was suggested 
to General Sanborn to bring his brigade in upon our 
left, and resist the movement through the corn-field. 
The General immediately returned to execute this 
movement. The information was conveyed to 
General Blunt. It was received by the troops at the 
front with enthusiastic cheers. At this time, one 
half of the line was out of carbine ammunition, the 
firing had been so rapid and exhaustive. The how- 
itzers were yet well out to the front. ■ Captain 
McLain had retired with his guns to the foot of the 
bluff, a movement made without orders, and as 
alleged by the Captain, in consequence of the utter 
exhaustion of men and horses. 

General Sanborn now moved down the bluff and 
into the valley on the gallop ; the 6th M. S. M. and 



GENEEAL Sanborn's eepoet. 271 

the 2d Arkansas Cavalry, Colonel Phelj^s, jnn., being 
in tlie advance. As they neared the field through 
which the enemy were moving, these regiments 
dismounted, formed line of battle, driving the rebels 
through the field. A section of Rodman guns, 
under Lieutenant Montgomery, was opened on the 
rebel centre from our left. General Blunt's force 
again moved forward on a line with Sanborn's. A 
few volleys were fired, and then some scattering 
shots terminated the hard fouo;ht battle of Newtonia, 
the enemy abandoning the field. 

While General Sanljorn was moving into position, 
General Curtis with his stafi:' and escort arrived. 
Finding that Blunt had engaged the enemy, the 
commanding General pushed on with Sanborn to his 
assistance. The latter deserves great credit for the 
promptness of his movement, and celerity of his 
march from Fort Scott. In his published report, 
General Sanborn says : 

" I marched sixly-two (G2) miles that day, keeping the artillery and teams 
along, and reached Newtonia on the 28th, about four P. M., having marched 
one hundred and four miles, with artillery and train, in thirty-six hours. 

"I found General Blunt heavih' engaged with the enemy, his line slowly 
receding, and the enemy's line extending much beyond his on both flanks, 
advancing rapidly upon the right and left. 

"General Blunt directed me to form upon his left, and, if possible, to 
turn the enemy's right. 

"The horses being exhausted, and the field intersected with stones, walls 
and other obstacles, I was induced to dismount my command, and the regi- 
ments were ordered to advance as fast as they could dismount and form. 
The 6th Cavalry, M. S. M., was the first to meet the advancing force of the 
enemy. This regiment advanced most gallantly, and had fired two or three 
volleys in rapid succession, when a triumphant cheer from the line announced 
that the enemy had turned and was ftilling back. 

It is impossible to record all the incidents of this 
day. The vigorous attack with a handful of men 



272 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

by General Blunt, is almost unparalleled for audacity 
during the war ; not more so tlian the severe punish- 
ment given to the enemy, and the tenacity with 
which our position was held, in spite of failure of 
supports, and the large force of the enemy against 
which we were pitted. The results of the conflict 
were most disastrous to them, much more so than to 
us, though our loss was not inconsiderable. Accord- 
ing to reports, our loss was as follows : 15th Kansas, 
ten killed, twenty-nine wounded and one missing; 
16th Kansas, two killed and thirteen wounded; 3rd 
Wisconsin (Lieutenant Pond commanding) eleven 
w^ounded ; 2d Colorado Battery, one killed, five 
wounded ; in all ninety-five wounded, eighteen killed 
and one missing ; total, one hundred and fourteen ; not 
more than twenty were seriously wounded. About 
one hundred horses were killed and w^ounded. 
Captain Moses, 2d Colorado, was wounded twice. 
The enemy lost two hundred and seventh-five 
wounded, thirty-five seriously. Two colonels were 
killed. They also buried General Slemmons, who 
was wounded on Mine Creek, three days previous. 

In the first onset, 16th Kansas, Major Ketner com- 
manding, drove the enemy for some distance. He had 
two horses shot under him. Captain Tough had a 
narrow escape, a ball passing through the rim of his 
felt hat. Captain Hinton was partially stunned by 
the explosion of a shell within a few feet of him. 
Colonel Burris, Volunteer Aide, deserves the greatest 
credit for coolness and usefulness. Next to General 



MURDER OF CHRISTENSOlSr. 273 

Blunt, in perfect and audacious courage, comes 
Colou(!l Ford, of the 2d Colorado. The regiment 
commanded by him were model soldiers throughout 
the campaign, and won the highest encomiums. Two 
companies became famous on account of their gray 
horses. Everywhere in front they were to the rebels 
as is Death on the pale horse to the wicked. 

Newtonia was garrisoned by a small battalion of 
enrolled militia, under Major Johnson, who retired 
on the approach of the enemy. Moving towards 
Mount Vernon, he encountered about four hundred 
rebels, who were out foraging, A skirmish ensued, 
in which the rebels were defeated. Lieutenant 
Christenson, a mendier of the militia, residing in 
Isl^ewtonia, was taken prisoner, and in the presence 
of his wife and mother was inhumanly butchered. 
He was a German, but lately married, and had been 
for a long time a scourge to the bushwhackers of this 
vicinity. His body was recovered next morning 
from the woods, where it had been thrown, brutally 
mutilated. 

Colonel Jennison, in his published report of the 
campaign, says of Newtonia : 

" On the morning of the 28th, the march was resumed, the brigade being 
then nnder command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, passing the Granby lead 
mines, Newton county, about 2 o'clock P. M., the Colorado 2d being in the 
advance, with the Colorado Battery. When within about three miles of 
Newtonia, messengers passed along tlie lines from the front, with the intelli- 
gr-nce that our advance had overtaken the rebel army at the latter place, 
and was then engaged. The command "Forward — trot — gallop — march!" 
was given, and never with more hearty alacrity obeyed, and the brigade 
swept on through almost impenetrable clouds of dust to the open ground 
north of the town, where our artillery were already posted, and had opened 
fire witli shell upon the enemy's lines, then distant more than a mile, and 
evidently striving to get into the tunber on the Pineville road with the train. 

34 



2^4 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Reaching the crest of the hill upon which the battery was posted, the order 
was given, and the 1st Brigade moved rapidly towards the enemy, by this 
time engaged by Colonel Ford's tirigade. The 1st Brigade was immediately 
formed, by direction of the General Commanding, on the right of the line. 
Commencing a spirited and determined tire at a range of about five hundred 
yards, the howitzers, under Sergeant Patterson, doing more etficient execu- 
tion than at any previous action during the campaign. In tliis connection, I 
would mention with particular recommendations to favor, Sergeant Patterson, 
14th K. V. C, an experienced and callable artillerist of long service in the 
Army of the Potomac and elsewhere. During the whole of the campaign, 
he remained in the fluthful discharge of his duties as Sergeant of the howit- 
zer battery, which fired the first gun at Lexington, and almost the last at 
Newtonia. 

For further details of the battle, permit me to extract from the report 
of Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, 15th K. V. C, as follows, he being at that 
time in command of the Brigade, by reason of the temporary disability of 
myself, caused by au accident: 

"Head- Quarters 15th K. V. C, In the Field, ) 
Cherokee Nation, Nov. 9, 1864. ) 

* * =^ * "On the 28th of October, Price was attacked by 
General Blunt, with the brigades of yourself and Colonel Ford, 2d Colorado 
Cavalry, at Newtonia, Mo. In this engagement, it was my privilege to lead 
your brigade, of which I can only say, none could have fought more nobly, 
or with greater determination, standing under fire a long time without a 
cartridge to return the galling fire of the enemy, having expended eighty 
rounds to the man, the alacrity of our movements rendering it impossible for 
the ammunition train to keep up. 

" I desire to mention Lieut. Jos. Mackle, A. A. A. G., 1st Brigade, and 
Lieutenant "VV. H. Bisbee, Company "E," 15th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, 
acting Regimental Adjutant, for their praiseworthy conduct in the last 
named, and in fact all the engagements in which this regiment was employed." 
Of the officers of my command and their men, it is not possible for me to 
specify particular names, for all were brave, and none were either cowardly 
or incompetent. ' " GEO. H. HOYT, 

" Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding. 

' ' Maintaining its line of battle unbroken imtil some time after dark, the 
1st Brigade, in obedience to orders from the General Commanding, encamped 
for the night in tlie town of Newtonia, having brought in all it's wounded, 
who were properly cared for, and bestowed in the houses of the town." 

Ill tlie same report, the Colonel mentions the 3rd 
Wisconsin Cavalry, and quotes from Lieutenant 
Pond's report : 

" Of the battle of Newtonia, Lieutenant Pond reports that his command, 
reduced to thirty-four effective men, was placed on the left of the 2d Colo- 
rado, and took part in the charge led, as at Westport, by General Blunt in 
person, against an enemy so vastly superior, that the audacity of the charge 
must have been as auspicious as its valor. That we held that position until 
our ammunition was exhausted, and afterwards until succor came, history 
will tell and truly; but hoiv\ seems a miracle. In this contest, Lieutenant 
Pond's command lost four men, seriously woimded, and eleven horses kiUed. 
The Lieutenant concludes his report as follows: 



REBEL COMMISSARIAT. 2^5 

" It affords rne pleasure, in connection herewith, to notice the conspicuous 
gallantry and heroiBin of Lieutenant John Crites, Company "D." His 
coolness and self-possession, under tlie most terrific fire, gave to his recruits 
the full assurance of veterans. He was the only commissioned officer in the 
battalion with me wlien we entered the battle of jSTewtonia: 

The remaining prisoners of tlie 2d Kansas State 
Militia, under Captain Huntoon, came into camp on 
the 29th, having been paroled by General Price at 
Granby. They were in a most pitiable condition ; 
starved, half naked, worn out and barefoot, having 
been robbed by their captors of all decent articles 
of clotliing. Everything possible was done for their 
comfort. 

That night the enemy retired in hasty disorder, 
leaving their wounded in our lines, and their dead 
unburied where they fell. The condition of their 
wounded was frightful. An assistant surgeon of 
Munroe's Arkansas Regiment, and a medical student 
recruited at Lexington, were left in charge of the 
hosiDital. One sack of flour and a scant supply of 
a few common drugs, were all that the rebel medical 
and commissariat stores could furnish. The surgeon 
came in under a flag of truce, and, announcing their 
condition, asked such medical stores as humanity 
demanded should be at his disposal. On arrival of 
our medical train, their wants were supplied. 

Every preparation was made for an early resump- 
tion of the pursuit, which General Curtis was now sure 
would result in the surrender of the rebel army. 
This was the main purpose of his campaign, and 
with efficient co-operation after the battle of 'New- 
tonia, could have been brought about. Our horses 



276 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

and men, exliausted tliougli tliey were, were in better 
condition than the enemy's. Below this point, he 
passed beyond the range of mills and grain. By a 
vigorous pursuit, he could be prevented from menac- 
ing our posts in Western Arkansas and on the river, 
while they would be enabled to prevent him 
crossing that stream. 

Even if not successful in forcing a surrender, 
immediate and unremitting pursuit must exhaust the 
rebels, deplete his army by constant desertion, and 
finally compel him to flee only as a mob retires, 
disordered, demobilized and demoralized utterly. 

Such was undoubtedly the reasoning on the night 
of the 28th. General McNeil and Colonel Moonlight 
came in after dark. The first was ordered to take 
the advance next day, moving' at three A. M. 

Just as the troops were moving out, a courier 
arrived from General Pleasanton, with orders from 
General Kosecraus, directing all the troops of his 
department to return to their respective districts. 
This of course prohibited any further pursuit, as 
General Curtis had with him less than 1,500 men, 
proj^erly belonging to his command. Generals 
Sanborn and McNeil moved towards Springfield, 
while the 1st Division was ordered to return to 
Kansas by way of Neosho. Major Murphy, of M. 
S. M., was left in command of Newtonia, and every 
possible preparation made for taking care of the 
v/ounded. Subsistence and medical train arrived 
during the forenoon of the 29th. 



Neosho, October 30, 1864, 
In the Field. 



blunt' S PUBLISHED ACCOUNT. 277 

Tbe indignation of all was intense. It was felt 
that General Ilosecrans could not have known or 
appreciated the position. Misinformed as to the 
campaign, by those whose duty it was to have told 
the truth, the order recalling was without doubt 
issued on the idea that the campaign was practically 
over, and further pursuit was useless. The Lieuten- 
ant-General did not, as will be hereafter seen, agree 
Avith this view. 

The following account of the conflict at Newtonia 
was sent by General Blunt to Senator Lane, and by 
the latter published in the papers of the State : 

To General J. PL Lane: 

On the 2Stli instant, at 3 o'clock P. M., after marching all day and night 
previously, I came up with Price at Newtonia, with Ford's and Jennison's 
Brigades of my Division. Price had gone into camp in the timber south of 
tlie town, tliinking that we had quit the pursuit. 

Upon discovering our advance, he formed one line of battle in tlie edge of 
the timber, another in front on the prairie, developing almost ten tliousand 
men. I moved forward rapidly and attacked him with vigor. The figlit 
lasted from 3 o'clock until dark, and was the warmest contested held we 
have had in the campaign. With the two brigades, I lield the field, 
without support, until nearly sundown, when Sanborn came up just in time 
to form on my left and repulse a flanking column of the enemy. We then 
drove them from the field in confusion. 

They retreated hastily, and moved all night on the Cassville road. My 
loss in killed and wounded, was about one hundred and eighteen, and about 
one hundred and seventy-five horses killed. 

A rebel surgeon, who came in with a flag of truce, reports the enemy's 
loss at over two hundred. Among their killed were two Colonels. 

A spy of ours, wlio has been with them for several days past and during 
the battle of the 28th, has come in, and reports that Price has 16,000 men 
armed, and 10,000 unarmed; that he has still about four hundred wagons, 
mostly loaded with goods plundered, and that lie has burned large amounts 
of his transportation. He says Price will not fight unless compelled to, to 
save his train and unarmed conscripts, but will move as rapidly as possible 
to Bed River. He also sa3's Price intended, if possible, to make his head- 
quarters this winter at Kansas City. Tiiis is also corroborated by most of 
tbe prisoners we have taken. 

Price toid the Missouri recruits that Kansas could not raise force enough 
to disturb him in carrying out his programme. 

General Curtis ordered the troops to march yesterday morning at 3 o'clock, 
»nd vigorously follow up the pursuit, but before the hour arrived, an order 



278 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 

came from General Rosecrans for all the forces of Pleasanton to abandon the 
pursuit and return to the head-quarters of their respective districts. Yester- 
day I removed to this point to recruit the stock and rest the men, and be 
within supporting distance of Forts Gibson and Smitli. 

Orders liave just arrived from Lieutenant-General Grant, which will, I 
hope, enable us to yet do the enemy more damage. 

Of the Shawnee county militia, one hundred have come in paroled. They 
have suffered much for food and from hard travel. All say they were well 
treated as prisoners. They speak well of General Shelby. I will keep you 
advised aa proper. Truly yours, 

JAS. G. BLUNT. 



CHAPTEK XX. 

EESUMPTlOlSr OF PURSUIT EOITTE OF THE REBELS 

THE PEA EIDGE BATTLE-FIELD ATTACK OjST FAY- 

ETTEVILLE GALLANT DEFENSE. 

The troops under General Curtis rested at Neosho, 
on the niglit of tlie 29tb. Early on the morning 
of the 30th, a courier arrived Avith dispatches, 
enchasing an order, through General Halleck, from 
Lieutenant-General Grant, bearing date the 28th, 
desiring the pursuit of Price to be continued to the 
Arkansas Piver, or until he encountered General 
Steele or General Reynolds. 

Acting on this, General Curtis immediately issued 
orders for a continuance of the march, and consider- 
ing that this overruled the orders of General Rose- 
crans, received twenty-two hours before at Newtonia, 
sent dispatches to Generals Sanborn and McNeil, 
Colonel Phillips and Colonel Benteen. The courier 
found the latter a few miles north of Neosho ; the 
others were not reached till after arrival at Spring- 
field. They were ordered to move by way of Cass- 



280 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. 

ville, Mo. General McNeil used great exertions to 
overtake General Curtis. When the order was 
received, lie was busily engaged in shoeing his 
horses, and the time necessarily occupied in the work 
upon a thousand animals, delayed his march. He 
however pushed after the 1st Division, and after 
leaving Cass ville, taking with him the best mounted 
men of the brigade, follov/ed with all speed, and 
missing the trail, marched direct to Fort Smith. 

Colonel Benteen joined General Curtis on the 
morning of November 1st, at the camp near Pea 
Rido'e. General Sanborn followed to Cassville, 
whence he issued an order directing Colonel Ben- 
teen's movements. That officer returned answer, 
that being only temporarily in the Department of 
Missouri, and having received orders from General 
Grant, through General Curtis, he held himself 
bound to obey them, and when relieved, to rejoin as 
speedily as might 1)6, his proper corp command. 

A wide difference of o]>inion existed between the 
Commanding Generals in Missouri, and General 
Curtis, as to the policy of pursuing the enemy below 
Newtonia, The order of General Rosecrans is one 
evidence, and the following communication to Plea- 
antou from General Sanl)orn, is another. As this 
letter is a good statement of this difference, it is 
given entire : 

Head- Quarters, District of S. W. Missouri, ) 
Springfield, Nov. 12, 18G4. f 
To Major-General Pleasanton: 

I haye just returned from Cassville, and will forward my official report of 
the campaign in a few days. No one has lired a shot at the enemy since the 



A DIFFERENCE OF 0PINI01S-. 281 

battle of Newtonia, where the enemy gained great advantage over Blunt at 
first, but my command got up in time to turn the enemy's right, and the tide 
of tilings. 

Tiie enemy lost very largely in men and horses in North-west Arkansas, 
and the border. 

My idea was, and is now, that when we got him below Newtonia and tho 
region of grain mills and caltle, we should not crowd him any more, 'but 
rather make an effort to hold him in this land of starvation, as we would a 
garrison out of supplies, until his army broke up and divided. Deserters 
were very numerous while Price was in this section, but "I have seen none 
that have left Jiim since he was pushed off towards his supplies. 

My own view is, that all the efforts of General Curtis to drive the enemy, 
and they have been great, and entitle him to credit, have^ been to oiir 
detriment and the enemy's advantage, for I believe one-half of his army 
would have deserted north of the Arkansas, had it not been for the fear of 
the pursuing foe, and the pursuit has been expensive; l)ut tlie enemy has 
suffered badly, and all sliould be satisfied, I suppose. My dispatches from 
General Thayer indicate tliat the troops on the Arkansas will not attack 
Price. JOHN B. SANBORN, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 

An ojjvions criticism on tliis is that the Lieutenant- 
General and the Secretary of War did not agree 
with General Sanborn or his immediate commander. 
An order from General Grant has already been 
given. To anticipate somewhat, it is here stated, 
that on the 7th of November, the Secretary of War 
directed General Curtis to assume command of all 
troops on his line of march in pursuit of Price, 
returning them to their proper commanders after its 
close. 

As to the criticism upon the wisdom of General 
Curtis' policy, a sufficient answer is found in the 
fact, that an abandonment of the pursuit at the 
point named, would have flooded the district which 
General Sanborn commanded, with the worst of 
bushwhackers. Again, the sagacity shown by 
General Curtis, is exhibited in tlie fact that in all 
probability, not only Fayetteville would have fallen, 
but that, strengthened by a junction with Generals 
3^ 



282 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

Cooper aud Gano, Price would have made a com- 
paratively easy capture of Forts Smith and Gibson, 
and thus replaced his great losses by equally as 
valuable gains. 

After leaving Cassville, it was found that the 
main force of the enemy had moved to Pineville, 
and thence by way of Maysville down the State 
Line. It was determined to push on direct to 
Fayetteville, as that post being exposed, might fall 
an easy prey to any superior rebel force. We 
camped near the old battle-field of Pea Kidge, 
remaining there two days, awaiting the arrival of the 
subsistence train, which reached us the morning of 
the 3rd. Breaking camp in the midst of a severe 
snow storm, the Army of the Border, now about 
three thousand strong, marched to Sugar Creek. On 
this day's march. General Curtis passed across the 
historic ground made famous by the victory he won 
over the combined armies of Price, Mcintosh and 
McCullough, under Van Dorn, in March, 18(32. 
Again was he pursuing his old antagonist, but under 
somewhat different circumstances. Giving that for- 
midable foe the first eftectual rebuff of the war, it 
must have been a source of great satisfaction to the 
gallant old soldier commanding our troops, to know 
that he was again driving this same chieftain, and 
undrr circumstances which warranted a belief in its 
being a final and fatal blow to the rebel power west 
of the Mississippi. 

Dispatches were received from General Thayer at 



ATTACK 0:sr FAYETTEVILLE. 283 

Fort Smith, and Colonel Harrison at Fayette viile, 
urging a close pursuit of Price as tlie only means of 
saving those posts. Three clays of unremitting raiu 
and snow, as well as the delay necessary for tlie 
arrival of our trains, had impeded our movements. 
It became evident no assistance could be expected 
from General Rosecrans' troops. Major Melton, 2d 
Arkansas Cavalry, commanding post at Cassville, 
reported with fifty men, and was sent forward to 
Fayetteville. 

About midnight on the 3rd, while encamped at 
Cross Hollows, in the midst ^if a heavy storm of 
rain and snow, dis2:)atches arrived from Colonel 
Harrison, announcing an attack by Fagan on that 
post, and requesting assistance. It was then held 
against great odds, but must fall if not soon relieved. 

Fayetteville, eighteen miles in advance of our 
camp, was strongly fortified by substantial earth- 
works, garrisoned by a force of 1,100 troops and 
citizens, commanded by Colonel M. La Rue Harrison, 
1st Cavalry, Arkansas Volunteers. It was a place 
of considerable importance, and contained valuable 
stores. The 1st Arkansas had been stationed there 
since the spring of \Vd. After the disastrous cam- 
paign of General Steele, in the spring of '64, bands 
of guerrillas reappeared in North-western Arkansas, 
harassing the Union citizens and soldiers, breaking 
up the mail and telegraphic route, and constantly 
harassing our trains and forces. They were led by 
a noted partizan, Major Buck Brown. Afterwards 



284 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

Colonel Brooks, of the rebel army, appeared in the 
district with three hundred men. Having authority 
to raise a rebel brigade, he immediately commenced 
recruiting and conscripting. Colonel Harrison's force, 
nominally cavalry, was but indifferently mounted, 
and as he was compelled to guard and hold open the 
route north to Cassville, and south to Van Buren, his 
troops and stock were greatly overworked. At 
Fayetteville, eleven companies were stationed, of 
whom only two hundred were mounted. As Price 
moved north, the rebels became bolder. October 
20th, while Colonel Hg,rrison was escorting a subsist- 
ence train from Cassville, with one hundred and 
seventy men, he encountered Buck Brown in Benton 
county, with some six hundred men, and had a 
severe fight, which, lasting two hours, resulted in the 
defeat of Brown, who retreated, leaving several 
killed and wounded. Learning that Brooks was at 
Fitzgerald Mountain with eight hundred men, wait- 
ing in ambush for the arrival of the train. Colonel 
Harrison made a detour, ]:)assing four miles to the 
east, at midnight of the 21st, and arrived safely at 
Fayetteville on the 25th. 

The rebels under Colonel Brooks then invested 
Fayetteville, with the intention of starving the 
garrison out. The investment was so complete as to 
prevent foraging other than by. sending out well 
armed parties of mounted men, with sacks for corn, 
to be brought back on their animals. On the 27th, 
Captain D. C. Hopkins, one of the most dashing 



ATTACK ON EAST MOUNT AIIS". 285 

officers tlie Arkansas loyalists have furnislied, while 
thus foraging, was attacked by Buck Brown with 
five hundred men. Captain Hopkins forced his way 
.through the enemy, skirmishing with him for several 
miles, and after a narrow escape from being cut off 
by Brooks, reached Fayetteville in safety. 

On the 28tli Brooks occupied East Mountain, a 
prominent elevation near the post. With two guns, 
which he succeeded in planting thereon, he annoyed 
the o-arrison, shellino- the outer intrenchments. 
Captains Hopkins and E. B. Harrison, with their 
respective companies, dismounted, were ordered to 
clear the mountain side. Twice they charged up 
the precipitous sides ; twice were they repulsed. On 
the third attempt they succeeded in attacking and 
dislodging the foe, driving him from the summit. 
In this attempt, our force had, at various portions 
of the ascent, to pull themselv^es up the steep sides 
by means of the bushes and vines, being all the 
time exposed to the enemy's fire. We captured a 
number of small arms and a quantity of forage. 
Several killed and wounded were left in our hands. 
One of their guns burst in the assault. At ten A. M., 
Brooks made a desperate and vigorous attack upon 
the works at the west side. After two hours' severe 
fiirhtino- he was driven off, with the loss of twelve 
killed and twenty-five wounded, several of these 
mortally. Buck Brown lost eleven killed and 
wounded. Our loss was two seriously wounded, one 
of whom died afterwards, and four slightly wounded. 



286 AEMY OF THE BOKDEPw 

The enemy still continued in the vicinity of the 
post, but made no further demonstrations until the 
3rd of November. Early that morning, Colonel 
Harrison's scouts reported 8,000 rebels with two< 
guns, marching under Fagan from Cane Hill. Price 
had moved continuously to Cane Hill, a village about 
thirty miles south-west of Fayetteville, known as the 
head-quarters of a strong rebel community. Here, 
while engaged in recruiting his command, caring for 
the wounded, <fec., he detached Fagan's Division, 
5,000 strong, with two guns, to capture Fayetteville. 
The rebel General was joined by Brooks and Brown 
with 1,500 men. At eleven A. M., our works were 
attacked, the pickets driven in, and without any 
warning or time allowed to move the wome^ and 
children, the shelling commenced. During the bom- 
bardment, a number of shells entered houses where 
families were living. One shell passed through the 
wall of Mrs. Steele's house, exploding in the bedroom 
of her daughter, the wife of a Federal officer, who 
had but a moment before left the room. Other shells 
entered the building used for hospital pui'poses. 
Though tbe hospital flag was flying over the build- 
ing, the rebel fire was directed there without 
discrimination. One of their wounded men in our 
hands w^as killed by a rifle ball from their lines. 
The guns used by Fagan were one six pound rifle 
and one twelve pound howitzer. Three times were 
the rebels drawn up in line to charge our works ; 
three times was the order given, but each time, under 



BELIEF or FAYETTEVILLE. 287 

the deadly fire of our rifles, tliey failed to move 
forward and attempt the perilous task. At sunset 
the force was withdrawn, retreating towards Cane 
Hill with the guns, till only six hundred remained, 
who left early on the 4th, moving east. 

The reltel loss is reported at seventy-five hilled 
and wounded. Ours was nine wounded, one mor- 
tally. Our intrenchments protected the men. The 
garrison numbered 1,128, one hundred and seventy- 
five of whom were citizens. 

A small party sent by General Curtis succeeded 
in reaching Fayetteville during the night. Before 
daylight our little army w^as on its march. Fayette- 
ville was reached at eleven o'clock. The enemy had 
already retired. The movement was doubtless 
accelerated by our approach. A small body of 
rebels under Colonel Freeman, separated from 
Fagan's command and moved eastward towards 
A¥hite River. They left a broken and dismounted 
gun. It was afterwards reported that on arrival 
nearHuntsville, this force disbanded in disgust. The 
main force joined Price, who was collecting cattle 
and supplies, preparatory to crossing the Arkansas. 

Our troops remained at Fayetteville till the morn- 
ing of the 5th. This delay was owing to the diffi- 
culty of ascertaining Price's main line of march. 
The troops under Colonel Harrison now joined the 
pursuing army, excepting sufficient garrison to hold 
the place. Captain Dodge's 9th Wisconsin Battery 
was also left here, the animals being unfit for further 



288 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

travel. Colonel Moonliglit, who, with the 2d Bri- 
gade, liad been sent from Leesburg, on Pea Ridge, 
towards Bentonville, arrived in tlie course of the 
day. He had encountered a small band of guerrillas, 
killing two in the pursuit. Colonel Jennison's 
Brisrade had also made a detour to a flourino- mill 
east of the line of march, and drove off a band of 
.rebels who were running the mill. Everything 
behind us had been cleaned out. At no time during; 
the war had South-east Missouri and North-west 
Arkansas been so free from bushwhackers. 

The condition of the country was poor indeed. 
The people were utterly impoverished. Very few 
persons were at home except women and children, 
Few of these had food sufficient for the ensuino- 
winter, and barely one was decently clad, while most 
had not sufficient clothing to hide their nakedness. 
Whatever part these inhabitants might have origi- 
nally taken, they were, it ^vas evident, sufficiently 
punished, and in a condition to excite commiseration. 
The ]3assage of two armies through their midst did 
not tend to better their condition. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



FROM FAYETTEVILLE TO THE ARKANSAS RIVER TER- 
MINATION OF THE PURSUIT— STORM ON THE ARKAN- 
SAS GENERAL ORDERS. 

On the 5tli, the army camped upon the battle-field 
of Prairie Grove. General Blunt occupied the house 
used by him for his conference with the rebel 
General Hindman, who received so complete a defeat 
at the hands of Blunt and Herron in November, '62. 
Cattle were found in sufficient abundance for the use 
of the troops. This comprised nearly all the sub- 
sistence obtained by them. The pursuers lived 
mainly on the debris of the retreating army. Forage 
was scai'ce. After leaving this point it became 
more so. 

On the 6th, we reached Cane Hill. Our advance 
drove out some small bands, and found the town full 
of rebel wounded, left there by the retreating foe. 
Nearly one hundred were paroled. Among them 
was a Major Parrott, Assistant Adjutant-General on 
Price's staff, who stated to General Blunt that the 
86 



290 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

rebel loss since leaving Lexington on tlae 20tli of 
October, a period of seventeen days, was, as appeared 
by the consolidated returns made on the morning 
before, 10,056. This included killed, wounded, 
captured and deserters. Large numbers of the 
latter scattered along their line of march, and for 
weeks afterwards reported at their homes in Missouri, 
claiming to have been conscripted. At Cane Hill 
it was evident that Price had expected to remain 
some time, his troops having commenced to build 
huts. Lai'ge droves of cattle gathered by him, were 
left behind. Colonel Benteen's scouts had several 
brisk skirmishes with the rebel rear guard and scout- 
ing parties. Some half dozen were killed. We lost 
one man, a bugler. Quite an interesting relic was 
recaptured. It was the flag presented to General 
Blunt at Leavenworth, in October, 1863, and capt-' 
ured from him by Quantrill, at the Baxter's Springs 
massacre, shortly afterwards. The flag was in pieces, 
and packed in an old traveling bag. It was nearly 
perfect, and when sewn together, only a small 
portion of the inscription was found missing. 

About sundown, we camped near the ground occu- 
pied by Price the previous night. The trail was 
broad and well marked, and headed direct to the 
Arkansas Kiver. His camp-fires had extended for 
miles on each side of the road, and the remains oi 
slaughtered cattle showed that large quantities oi 
meat must have been distributed to his men. AVe 
pressed forward on the direct trail, having entered 



DESOLATIOIsr EVERYWHERE VISIBLE. 291 

the Cherokee country on the previous day, and now 
moved up the beautiful valley of the Salisan River. 
On the east the flanks of the Boston mountains 
sloped to the valley ; their summits, lined and 
softened l)y the hazy mist of distance, bounded the 
horizon miles away. Westward rolled the undula- 
ting prairies. The valley was dotted with farms, 
buildings and fields ; before the war the abodes of a 
prosperous and civilized people ; now deserted and 
desolate ; the fields covered with rank and unsightly 
weeds ; the dwellings and out-houses falling in ruins. 

The order of march was arrano;ed with a view to 
probable battle, as it became evident that we were 
close upon the enemy once more. Colonel Benteen's 
Veteran Brigade was in front ; the 1st Division fol- 
lowed ; Colonel Harrison closed the column, and 
Major Ketner with the army train brought up the 
rear. 

We camped late at night, and stai'ted early on the 
Vth, marching in a south-west direction, mainly 
through woods. The character of the retreat was 
plainly discernible. By these indications, we were 
encouraged to push on, as it was evident that the 
rebels were making for the river in such haste as 
becomes a panic stricken mob, held together only by 
their necessities and the instinct of self-preservation. 
Horses and mules, lean, hungry looking, and worn 
out, were in every direction to be seen, feebly picking 
a scanty meal from the prairie. Broken wagons and 
vehicles of all kinds were scattered along the trail. 



292 AEMY OF TIIE BOEDER. 

Heavy stores, fixed ammunition, shell, shot, etc., 
were thrown broadcast, as if the fugitives desired to 
plant the broad swells with cadmean seed! The 
carriage said to have been used by Price himself, was 
found broken by the wayside. The advance pushed 
forward, and about dark came upon a small iron 
piece abandoned by the foe. At last the condition 
of the road, the darkness of the night, and the 
necessity of closing up our column, compelled a halt 
and some hours' rest. We bivouacked some miles 
from the Arkansas River, though uncertain of our 
whereabouts. 

The march was resumed early on the 8th. Tlie 
morning opened in gloom, A rain storm soon set in. 
Colonel Harrison took the advance. The pi'airie 
burning in our front, and the abandoned animals, 
whose backs still bore marks of saddle and harness, 
gave proof of the rebels' proximity. Across the 
prairie, as far as the eye could reach, were seen dark, 
heavy masses of timber, which proved, as we neared 
them, to be that covering the Arkansas liiver 
bottoms. The trail was fresh. It was evident that 
a large force had passed within a short period. We 
pressed through the timber to the bank of the river, 
and thence by a road newly cut to a point where it 
was apparent that Price's entire army had crossed. 

A few of the stragglers fled as our advance rode 
up, and the enemy's rear could be seen in the timber 
on the south side. McLain's guns were brought up, 
and the rebel retreat accelerated by the thundering 



FIRING A NATIONAL SALUTE. 293 

echoes of their discharge. With a view of warning 
the garrisons at Forts Gibson and Smith, between 
which posts it was evident the enemy had crossed ; 
in honor also of the day whereon, while we stood 
watching the flight of a lately insolent foe, the lovers 
of Liberty and Union throughout the loyal States 
w^ere casting the ballots which silently, yet surely, 
marked the people's determination to preserve the 
Union and maintain the Government, as well as to 
drive oiit of the opposite woods any straggling foe 
that might be there. General Curtis directed Captain 
McLain to fire (with shell) a national salute of 
thirty-four guns. 

Returning to the edge of the i^rairie, the Army of 
the Border went into camp. As the day waned, the 
storm which, with rain and mist, had threatened 
through all its hours, now broke out in grandeur. 
The rain poured down in torrents. The forked 
lightnings flashed, and the thunders rolled heavily 
and continuously. It was as if the entire aerial 
artillery, and all voidless forms and forces of the 
worlds of spirit and space, had been brought 
together for a grand field day. The scene was truly 
sublime, vastly magnificent in scale, and wildly 
tumultuous in its uproar. Great trees fell crashing 
in the forest, waking echoes which vied with the 
thunder in their report. The roar of the river came 
like the distant rush of a cataract, or the wash of 
the ocean waves on a storm-lashed beach. The 



294 AKMY OF THE BORDER. 

heavens over liead were blacker than fabled Erebus, 
except when riven by the lurid lightning flame. 

Yet with A\ ild song and sliout our troopers made 
the woods echo and the welkin ring. Their fires 
were quenched as fast as lighted. Not a tent, house 
or shelter was to be had. In the midst of the wild 
scene, and amid the howling of the storm, half fed 
and almost worn out, the irrepressible gaiety of 
conquerors broke jubilantly forth. 

About ten at night the storm began to subside, 
and the rifted masses of black clouds moved slowly 
across the heavens, making visible the deej? blue 
above, which, veiled though it was, still smiled 
serenely with majestic and awe-inspiring sense of 
calm repose. 

From an account given by the Rev. Mr. Willets, a 
missionary residing at Dwight's Mission, who was 
taken prisoner and held until the night of the 'Tth, 
the destitution and demoralization of the rebels was 
most complete. Their whole line passed by him 
several times, and never therein did he perceive any 
attempt at organization. They marched as it 
pleased them, and seemed only intent on putting the 
Arkansas river between themselves and pursuers. 
Thirty-two wagons, common farmer teams at that, 
comprised the train as seen by him. Two guns 
were all their artillery. In other respects the same 
appearance of defeat was visible. All with whom 
he conversed acknowledged openly their complete 
overthrow. This is borne out by the following, 



EEBEL OFFICEe's DIAEY. 295 

from the Galveston (Texas) JVews, copied from the 
diary of an officer of General Fagau's Division of 
Price's Army. The latter is the conclusion of it, 
includino; the battle of Nevvtonia : 

October 28. — Moved eight miles, and camped ouc south of Newtonia. 
The enemy attacked iis and were repiUsed by Cabell's and Slema;on's 
Brigades, and a small part of Shelby's Division, with heavy loss; our loss 
about eight hundred killed and wounded. 

October 29. — Marched twenty-five miles south-west, and camped on Cow- 
skin Creek; no forage. 

October 30. — Marched to Magnolia, forty-five miles, and camped; no 
forage. 

October 31. — Marched twenty miles and camped on the Illinois River; 
no forage. 

November 1. — Moved to Cane Hill; the weather very cold and wet We 
got a little forage, about one-half ration. • 

November 2. — Remained at Cane Hill. Fagan's Division made a demon- 
stration on FayetteviUe, to let McRay's and Dobbin's Brigades pass to nr";th- 
east Kansas; no forage. 

November 3. — Remained encamped at Cane Hill; weather very cpld, with 
heavy snow. Without food or forage. 

November 4. — Moved south-west twelve miles and camped without forage. 
We now abandon wagons every day, the teams having entirely given out. 

November 5. — Marched down the Salisan twenty miles and camped. No 
forage. 

November 6. — Reached the Arkansas River, near Pleasant Bluff. We 
have got plent.y of beef, but no forage. 

November i. — Crossed the Arkansas River and marched four miles. No 
forage. 

November 8. — Moved eight miles west and camped; rained all night and 
snowing at daylight. The sick and wounded sufier terribly. No food or 
forage. Some of the commands sucQeeded in getting a little beef, but 
Cabell's Brigade liave none. 

November 9. — Moved fifteen miles west, and encamped near the Canadan. 
The weather very cold, and horses and mules dying by hundreds. 1 noticed 
to-day, that several men died on tlie road from illness and exhaustion, and 
were left unburied. We liad no means of burying them. To-day, General 
Fagan might have been seen trudging along through the mud and rain, 
and a sick soldier riding his horse — an act that, I believe, few C4eneralg 
are accused of now-a-days — but his kindness to his men does not make them 
love him any tlie less. 

November 10. — Tlie remnants of Cabell's and Slemraon's Brigades wore 
directed to make the best of their way to Arkansas, and report at a given 
time, at points assigned in the orders. With tliem the writer came, and 
after much suffering, we reached Arkansas. 

The following dispatch was sent to General Davies, 
and to Department Head-Quarters at Fort Lea,ven- 
worth : 



\ 



296 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

Head- Quarters, Army of the Border, ) 

Camp Arkansas, November 8th, V 

via Fort Scott, November 15. ) 

To General Daties: 

We have just concluded the pursuit of Price, v?hose rear guard crossed 
the Arkansas River under fire of o\ir guns. He left another of his guns and 
his own carriage, which, with other arms and equipments have fallen into 
our hands. We are now rid of 20.000 or 30,000 iialf starved bushwhackers 
and half starved vagabonds, who, I liope, may never return to disturb the 
peaceful inhabitants north of the Arkansas river. He is also beyond our 
posts of Payetteville, Fort Smith and Fort Gibson, which are now safe. 

(Signed) S. R. CURTIS, Major- General, 

General Curtis and General Blunt issued and pro- 
mulgated the following congratulatory orders to the 
troops ' 

Head-Quarters, Army of the Border, 

Camp Arkansas, November 8th, 1864. 

General Field Order: 

The object of this organization and campaign is accomplished. The rebel 
army under General Sterling Price has been confronted, beaten in several 
conflicts, and pursued and driven over three hundred and fifty miles, from 
the Missouri to the Arkansas. This has been tlie work of fourteen days. 
Your marches have been incessant, sometimes for days and nights in raia 
and snow, and generally on short rations, gathered from the herds lost by the 
enemy. Your privations, toil and gallantry, deserve the highest commenda- 
tion; and tlie success of the campaign in which you have so gloriously par- 
ticipated, most of you from the beginning to the end, must entitle you to the 
thanks of your Government, and the gratitude of the loyal people of our 
Country. Your losses are considerable, but nothing in comparison with 
those of the enemy, who admits a loss in killed, wounded and missing, of 
eight or ten thousand. All his cannon but two, a large portion of his small 
arms, his vast wagon train loaded with spoils, and Jierds of cattle and Jiorses 
have been left, burned and scattered in the way of your pursuit. His army 
of twenty or thirty thousand is converted into an unarmed, unorganized 
mob, destitute of everything, starving with hunger, and far from supplies. 
Their condition is indeed so desperate as to excite pity more than exultation. 

But the greatest achievements of this campaign are the driving a desperate 
class of vagrant associates of the rebels so far from your homes and the State 
you defend. Besides this, your stern resistance and close pursuit, saved the 
towns and garrisons of Kansas City, Olathe, Paola, Fort Scott, Fayetteville, 
Fort Gibson and Fort Smith, and the valuable public stores of those places; 
besides checking ulterior purposes of slaughter and desolation, contemplated 
by the invasion of Kansas. 

But it would tarnish the brilliancy of your achievements to claim this for 
yourselves alone, without acknowledging with gratitude, the sliare boi'uc in 
the brunt of the contest, by the troops of Missouri and the militia of Kansas, 
who shared our dangers, and because of their greater niunbers, especially 
deserve more of the honors due to the conflicts of the 24:th, 25th and 28th 
of October. But to you, including tJie brigade of Colonel Benteen, who 
have shared in most of these battles, and continued throughout the long, 
weary pursuit, to the dark and turbid waters of the Arkansas, where your 



GENERAL FIELD ORDERS. 297 

guns thundered in the rear of the starving:, terrified enemy, must be accorded 
the special commendation of the Commanding General, and the generous 
approval of your Country. 

The special honors duo to distinguished comrades in the campaign, will be 
carefully presented by the Comnjanding General, in his proper report to 
Head-quarters at Washington, and to secure the most exact justice to so 
many deserving commendation, Commanders of Divisions, Brigades, Detach- 
ments and Statf OflScers, will make full reports, directed to Head-quariers, 
Fort Leavenworth, at their earliest convenience. 

In parting, the General tenders his thanks to the officers and soldiers, for 
their generous support and prompt obedience to orders, and to his Staff for 
their unceasing efforts to share the toil incident to the campaign. The pur- 
suit of Price in 18G4, and the battles of Lexington, Little Blue, Big Blue, 
Westport, Marias des Cygncs, Osage, Chariot and Newtonia, will be borne 
on the banners of regiments who shared in them; and the States of Missouri, 
Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Arkansas, may 
glory in the achievement of her sons in this short, but eventful campaign. 

The First Division, commanded by General Blunt, will move from this 
camp according to special instructions. 

The brigade of Colonel Benteen will return to his proper corps command 
by sucli route as he may consider most economical and advantageous to tlu 
G-overnment. 

Colonel Harrison will report to Major-General Steele at his earliest con' 
venience. 

Colonel Ford, with his command, will accompany the Commanding Genera^' 
to Head-Quarters, Fort Leavenworth. ■ 

By Command of Major-General Curtis: 

C. S. CHARLOT, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 



Head-Quarters, First Division, Army of the Border, ) 
Camp on the Arkansas River, 30 miles West of Fort Smith, Nov. 8, 'G4. J 

General Field Orders. } 
No. 6. ■ f 

I. The pursuit of the rebel army under Gen. Price having been abandoned . 
and the Army of the Border disbanded by direction of superior authoritj", thsj 
General Commanding the First Division desires to express his thanks and 
admiration to the officers and soldiers of his conuuand, for their noble con- 
duct and gallantry, displayed throughout one of the most memorable cam- 
paigns of the West. 

On the 16th of October, the Brigades of Colonel Jennison and Colonel 
Moonlight, numbering in all but two thousand men, marched from Hick- 
man's Mills, Mo., to Pleasant Hill, Holden and Lexington, to make a recon- 
noisance and develop the position, force and movements of the enemy. 

On the 19th of October, at 11 A. M., we were attacked at Lexington by 
the enemy 26,000 strong, and held the position until their entire army was 
developed, when our little force retired fighting and in good order, until the 
darkness of the night put an end to the contest. 

Thus we were enabled to give the first reliable information of Price's 
force and movements that was known since he had crossed the Arkansas 
Eiver on his route into Missouri. 

On the 21st, the Brigades of Colonels Jennison, Ford and Moonlight, 
numbering only 3,500 men, fought the battle of the Little Blue, contesting 
stubbornly every foot of ground with an enemy five to one against them, 

37 



298 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

with the most glorious results. Tn this contest the 2d Brigade, under Colonel 
Moonliglit, is entitled to special commendation for the gallant manner in 
which they fought the enemj-'s advancing columns until reinforcements 
arrived. 

On the 22d, the Brigades of Colonels Jennisou and Moonlight stub- 
bornly contested the advance of the eucm}' at the crossing of the Big 
Blue; and at the State Line (after the enemy had forced a passage at Byrom's 
Ford) checking his right flank and punishing him severely. 

Thus, by striking tlie enemy in front, and by three days' severe fighting, 
he was firmly held in check, until the command of Major-General Pleas- 
anton was enabled to overtake and attack his rear at Independence, and 
co-operate with us in obtaining the glorious results of the battle of West- 
port on tlie 23rd, when the entire Division (including Colonel C. W. Blair's 
Brigade of Kansas State Militia) attacked the enemy's front, and after a 
severe conflict turned his right flank, which resulted in his complete defeat 
and rout. 

In this day's contest, credit is due to several regiments of Kansas State 
MiUtia for the gallant part they bore, which wiU be appropriately noticed 
in official reports. 

In the battles of the Osage on the 25th (excepting Companies G, I and K, 
2d Colorado Cavalry Volunteers, commanded by Captains Green, Kingsbury 
and Elmer) 3'ou were prevented from participating as you desired, because 
by the orders of superior oflicer.s, the advance was taken from you, after 
earning and obtaining it by hard fighting; but we cannot but admire the 
conspicuous courage displaj^ed on that day by our comrades in arms of 
General Pleasauton's Division, who did their duty so gallantly. 

In this day's operations, credit is due to the 2d Brigade, under Colonel 
Moonlight (who was directed, after the battle of Westport, to move on the 
right flank of tiie enemy) for the protection given to the border of Kansas, 
and especially Mound City, whgre they fought and defeated a superior rebel 
force, and saved tlie town from destruction. 

At the battle of Newtonia, on the 28th ult. (participated in by the 
Brigades of Colonels Jenuison and Ford) where 3-00 fought and defeated' a 
force ten times j'our number, a courage and heroism was displayed unparal- 
leled in the history of the war. 

To recapitulate: In twenty-throe days you have marched over five 
hundred miles, day and niglit, through rain and snow, and fought five 
battles with an enemy greatly your superior in numbers. You have suffered 
fatigue, hunger and every privation incidental to a soldier's life. The result 
of your heroic labors (in conjtinetion with your comrades of the Army of 
Missouri) is the complete defeat and rout of a formidable rebel army, 
pursuing them across the Arkansas River, disorganized and reduced to a 
mob; and th-e saving of Kansas from premeditated invasion and devastation. 
For this you are entitled to, and will receive, the plaudits of a grateful 
country. While we drop the tear of sympathy over the graves of comrades 
who fell by our sides, we will ever remember that their death was a noble 
sacrifice for their country. 

II. The First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Jennison, is authorized to 
inscribe upon their banners, Lexington^ Little Blue, Big Blue, Westport and 
I^ewfo7iia. 

The Second Brigade, commanded by Colonel Moonlight — Lexington., Little 
Blue, Big Blue, Westport and Mound City. 

The Third Brigade, K. S. M., commanded by Colonel Blair, the 19th 
Eegiment, K. S. M., commanded by Colonel Hogan, and the 1 1th Regiment, 
K. S. M., commanded by Lieutenant-Colouel Wood worth — Westport. 



OEDER OF GENERAL ROSECRANS. 299 

The Fourth Brigade, commanded by Colonel Ford — Little Blue, Westport 
and hrwtonia : Companies G, I and K, 2d Colorado Cavalry Volunteers, will 
inscribe Osage on their guidons. 

JAMES G. BLUNT, Major-General. 

General Rosecmiis also issued a General Order at 
St. Louis, bearing date December 8tli, congratulating 
Lis troops, and summing up the results of tlie cam- 
paign. The material portions are given. It will be 
seen that no credit is given to others ; no honor 
accorded to the operations of Generals Curtis and 
Blunt, or to the gallant sohliers under them. The 
tone of this order of General Rosecrans is in strous' 
contrast with the generous eulogisms passed on the 
Missouri troops by both General Curtis and General 
Blunt. 

"On the 8th of October, when General Pleasanton assumed command at 
Jefferson City, he sent Sanborn, with all his mounted force, four tlioiisand 
one hundred strong, to follow the rebel track and harrass them until all our 
remaining cavalry could join you, and the infantry supports came up. You 
drove the enemy's rear guard upon their main force in line of battle near 
Boonville, and bearded them in position with a force of only 5,500 men. 
Pursuing their retreat westward, and keeping them between you and the 
Missouri River, without an opportunity to double on tlieir track, you waited 
the arrival of Winslow's command, 1,500 strong, wliich had followed th« 
enemy from Arkansas, and when, on the 19tb, it joined, forming tlie Pro- 
visional Cavalry Division of G,500 men, exclusive of escort guards, under 
General Pleasanton, you moved on the foe for battle and victory, overtook 
and gave them the first sweet taste of your sabres on the 22d, at Indepen- 
dence, where you routed Fagan and captured two of his gams. On tlie 23rd, 
you passed tlie Big liilue, fought them from seven in tlie morning until one 
P. M. Their advance quitting Curtis then fell upon you, when, by tlie 
combined use of Timber's double-shotted canister and the sabre, \o\\ routed 
their main force, and by dark had thrown them beyond Little Santa Fe. 

'■Oil the 24th, at midnight, after marching some sixty miles, with little 
"water except the rain on your backs, and less food for men or horses, you 
again overtook them at Marias des Cygnes, began skirmishing, and at four 
A. M., on the 25tli. opening with artillery, routed thein with loss, capturing 
mules, horses, &c., &c. Thence, in a running fight, you pursued them to 
the Little Osage Crossing, where two advanced brigades, under Benteen 
and Phillips, charged two rebel divisions, routed tliem, captured eight 
pieces of artillery and nearly one thousand prisoners, including Generals 
Marinadiike and Cabell. Sanborn's Brigade again led in pursuit, overtook 
them and made two m.ore brilliant charges, driving everything before it, 
across the Marmaton, whence the enemy fied, under cover of night, 



300 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

towards the Arkansas. After thus marching two hundred and four miles in 
six days, and beating the enemy, his flying columns were pursued towards 
the Arkansas by the Kansas troops and Benteen's Brigade, while Sanborn, 
following, marched one hundred and four miles in thirty-six hours, and on 
tlie 28111 reached Newtonia, where the enemy made his last stand, in time 
to turn the tide of battle, which was going on against General Blunt, again 
routing the enemy, and giving the final blow to the greatest cavalry raid of 
the war. 

' • The substantial results of this brilliant series of operations are, that 
while our infantry and dismounteil men nobly performed their share of the 
work by fighting at Pilot Knob and Glasgow, holding the depots and import- 
ant points, and backing your hazards; the enemy, entering the State with a 
mounted force of veteran troops, variously estimated at from 15,000 to 
2(5,000, and eighteen pieces of artillery, with vast expectations of revolu- 
tionizing the State, destroying Kansas, and operating on the ' Presidential 
election,' after having added to his force 6,000 Missourians, which General 
Marmaduke told General Pleasanton were armed and formed into a division, 
has been defeated in all his schemes, his mischief confined to the narrow- 
belt of country over which he passed and routed by you in four engage- 
ments, he has lost ten pieces of artillery, a large number of small arras, 
nearly all his trains and plunder, and, besides his killed, wounded and 
ieserters, 1,958 prisoners, which we have now in possession; and the 
atest reports confirm the statement that when the enemy's forces re-crossed 
,he Arkansas, demoralization, desertion and losses had reduced their 
strength to less than 5,000, but partially armed and mounted, with three 
pieces of artillery, and their horses in the most wretched condition ; all this 
has been accomplished by less than 7,000 cavalry, most of whom never 
before saw a great battle; and your entire loss in killed, wounded and miss- 
ing, is only three hundred and forty-six, officers and men. The records of 
this war furnish no more brilliant and decisive results." 

This order of General Rosecrans was written at 
St. Louis a montli after the campaign had closed. 
Its value as an impartial historical document may be 
appreciated, when it is remembered that the officer 
by whom* it was issued never got within fifty miles of 
the front, never heard the sound of the guns, and 
obtained his wliole impressions from the reports of 
subordinates. 

There, are some misstatements, amounting to mis- 
representations of the facts, wliich require noticing. 

From General Rosecrans' summing up, the public 
would be led to believe that at the battle of West- 
port, October 23rd, the victory there gained was due 



MISSTATEMENT CORRECTED. 301 

entirely to the exertions of General Pleasanton. 
Without detracting from liis merits, or belittling of 
the splendid fighting done by his division at the 
Big Bkie on that morning ; it is most emphatically 
true, that a handful of volunteer troops, and a few 
regiments of raw militia, had, after several hours 
severe fio-hting;, defeated the divisions of Shelby and 
Marmaduke, and that, when General Pleasanton 
moved up on the left. General Curtis in the advance, 
was steadily driving the foe. The arrival of the 
Missouri troops turned an orderly retreat into a 
rout, and for that, credit is due equally to both com- 
mands. It is said in the foregoing, " you (the Mis- 
souri Division) routed their main force, and l)y dark 
had thrown them (the enemy) beyond Little Santa 
Fe." As Gen. Pleasanton's Division formed on the 
left, when the troops deployed from line of battle 
into column, and the division of General Blunt held 
the right or advance, it is not easy to see how 
General Pleasanton could have driven them " beyond 
Little Santa Fe." The truth is, that the Brigade of 
Colonel Jennison, accompanied by a portion of the 
2d Colorado, were far in advance of the main column, 
and at night camped close upon the enemy's rear, 
four miles beyond Little Santa Fe. 

Again, a person unacquainted with the details of 
the campaign, would not suppose, from the foregoing 
order, that either General Curtis, or any of the 
troops under him, were engaged in the pursuit that 
followed Westport, or aided in the splendid victories 



302 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

which were gathered by our arms on the 25th. Yet 
it is true that General Curtis directed those opera- 
tions ; that a portion of his troops opened the ball 
on the 25th of October ; that other portions partici- 
pated in the victorious charges at the Marias des 
Cygnes, Mine Creek and Little Osage ; and that, 
under his direction, those victories were in a great 
measure due to the dash, courage and activity of his 
personal and volunteer staff. 

So it is, as relates to the statement that General 
Sanl^orn's arrival at Nevvtonia, prevented the defeat 
of General Blunt. The report of the former, already 
quoted in these pages, makes no such claim. Great 
credit is due him for the splendid march from Fort 
Scott, and for his promptness on the field. But 
General Sanborn did not give the " final blow to the 
greatest cavalry raid of the war." The modest 
report of the subordinate (Sanborn) is in strange 
contrast with the claim thus put forth by General 
Kosecrans. 

In fine, the whole order is an adroit specimen of 
special pleading. It is of a piece with other reports 
etc., published at St. Louis, while General Curtis, 
General Blunt and Colonel Benteen, were pursuing 
the enemy. It was intended and designed to coun- 
teract a damaging effect on the public mind, as to 
the conduct of the campaign against Price, by the 
Commander of the Department of Missouri, and was 
put forth to break the force of the implied censure 
of his superiors, given in the orders directing 



CENSUEE OF EOSECEANS. 308 

General Curtis to assume command of all troops in 
Ms (Rosecrans') Department, wlio might be available 
to carry forward a pursuit wliicb. their immediate 
commanders had ordered to cease. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE HOMEWARD MAKCH INCIDENTS EESULTS OP 

CAMPAIGN. 

On the morning of the 9tli of November, the various 
portions of the army proceeded homeward, by 
routes desio-nated in the order of General Curtis. 

Tlie General himself, accompanied by his staff, 
escort and the 2d Colorado, marched to Fort Gibson, 
and thence northward to Fort Scott, arriving there 
on the 15th of the month. The weather was very 
cold, and the exhausted condition of the stock com- 
pelled all to walk a large portion of the route. 
Nothino; of interest occurred. Provisions were 
exceedingly scant, and the arrival in a land of plenty 
was gladly hailed by all. 

General Blunt, with the brigade of Colonel Moon- 
light, moved to Fort Smith. General Thayer in 
command there, esteemed himself compelled to obey 
the letter of his instructions, and not risk the safety 
of this important post by weakening the garrison ; 
otherwise, he would have endeavored to have 
impeded Price's crossing the river. 



CHARGE AGAINST BLUNT. 305 

The ford used by the rebel army, is about four 
miles above the mouth of the Salisaw, about twenty- 
five miles from Gibson on the west, and thirty from 
Smith on the east. It was not generally known, 
and had only been used hitherto by the Indians. 

Major-General Herron being at Fort Smith, on a 
visit of inspection, and determining to return to 
New Orleans by way of Leavenworth and St. Louis, 
General Bhmt accompanied him, moving to Fort 
Gibson, and thence North to Fort Scott. 

The only incident of note occurred near Cabin 
Creek, six miles from Fort Gibson, where, just 
before the appearance of the small escort of the 
Generals, a party of seven persons, officers and 
others of regiments at Fort Smith, on their way to 
rejoin their commands, were pursued and overpow- 
ered by a band of guerrillas. They were driven, 
before being murdered, a short distance from the 
road traveled by the troops. As a consequence, the 
bodies wei'e not seen by them, though traces of a 
struggle were plainly visible. This was made the 
basis of a charge against General Blunt, of having 
loft these bodies without burial. The charge called 
forth a reply from Captain Hinton, his Aide, pub- 
lished in the Conservative, Leavenworth, Kansas, 
which, as it gives the facts in relation thereto, is 
here inserted. The Captain says : 

" As T happened to be one among others with General Bhmt, when some 
of our officers were murdered near Cabin Creek, perJiaps the matter may bo 
of sufficient pubhc interest to warrant you in giving; place to an account of 
the transaction, at least in so far as General Blunt is concerned. 

'"On the 19th of November, Major-G^nerala Blunt aud Herron broke 

38 



306 AKMY OF THE BORDER. 

camp at Cabin Creek, about 7 A. M. Some delay occurred, which caused 
the lateness of the march. The force with these officers consisted of less 
tlian one hundred and fifty men, about one hundred of wliom were General 
Herron's escoit. Our animals were brolcen down and half-starved, and quite 
a number of the men were afoot. The advance guard was from General 
Uerron's escort, strangers to the country and character of the bushwhackers 
who infest the route. 

"About four miles north of the stockade on Cabin Cre-Jk, are some 
abandoned buildings, formerly used for stores, post-offices, etc. To the west 
of tlie road about two miles, is a iieav}' bod}' of timber on Cabin Creek; 
east of and parallel to the road is tlie timber of Grand River. On the morn- 
ing I speak of, when about half way between tlie creek and the post-office 
buildings, a faint report of small ai'ms was heard apparently to tlie left of 
tlie road, in the direction of the timber spoken of, by the olScers and main 
portion of the escort. Soon after, word was brought from the advance 
guard, that a party of about twenty men had crossed the road north of them 
and in full siglit, moving towards the Grand River timber. Of course they 
were believed to be bushwhackers. By the time our main body had reached 
the post-office, the bushwhackers had gained the timber. The escort was 
halted for the purpose of enabling the dismounted men to close up. Neither 
General Blunt, General Herron, or any officer of their stafls, was then 
informed by the non-commissioned officer commanding the advance guard, 
of a,ny further bushwhacking signs, or of any appearance of a party having 
been pursued by them. A report was made of two horses and a nuile being 
found near the road, with fresh saddle marks on them. These were turned 
over to three of the dismounted men. 

"The escort moved on, passed the timber hills, three miles furtlier, and 
traveled at least six miles before the evidences of a party having been pur- 
sued by the bushwhackers were laid before either of the Major-Generals. 
It wiis then too late for us to retrace our steps, even if we had had horses 
fit to travel. 

" It is an unmitigated falsehood to say that we passed in plain view of the 
bodies of our friends. No one of our parly saw the bodies of our murdered 
comrades. On the contrary, tliere was no visible evidence to General 
Blunt, or any other officer, of any friend having been there. If any one 
was culpable, it was the advance guard in not reporting the signs they saw. 
These were the evidences before alluded to: the finding of a couple of 
Kntield rifles (new); of a plain blue vest, bloody, and having a btillet hole 
in the back, found near the road close to the post office; an invoice of cloth- 
ing drawn from Captain Insley by Captain Martin Welsh, 1st Kansas Colored 
Volunteers, bearing date Fort Scott, Nov. 1 5 — also bloody, and an Express 
receipt dated at St. Louis, made out to " Gardner," supposed to be Chaplain 
Gardner of the 13th Kansas; of the tracks of a light vehicle turning off the 
road near where the vest, &c., were found; nor of the signs of the camp of 
this party at the Timber Hills, seen just oti' the road by some of the advance. 

" None of these facts were made known to General blunt, nor to any 
other officer, until after the command had passed some six miles north of 
the post-office building, and when it was manifestlj'' improper to turn back 
with our small command and broken down animals. * * * 

"The party consisted of Captain Welsh, Captain Thrasher and Lieutenant 
Macy, of the 1st Colored Kansas; Chaplain Gardner, of the 13th. and three 
soldiers of Kansas Regiments, returning to Fort Smith. Captain Thrasher 
and two soldiers escaped; the others were nuu'dered. Since then the loj'al 
Pin Indians have killed six of the bushwhackers who murde'^ed our friends." 
******** 



DEATH OF MACY AND OTHEES. 307 

Captain Tliraslier, who escaped, sent tlie following 
letter to tlie father of Lieutenant Macy, which more 
definitely gives the names of the unfortunate victims. 
It corrects some mistakes of Captain Hiuton : 

Fort Smith, Arkansas, Dec. 15, 1864. 

To Dr. E. G. Macy, Bloomington., Kansas : 

Doctor: — I have to cociinunicate the sad intelligence of the death of your 
son, Lieutenant E. L. Macy. He fell in a figiit with bushwhackers, six miles 
north of Cabin Creek, C. N., on the 19th of November last. Our party of 
seven — Captain Welch, Lieutenant Macy, Chaplain G-ardner, Harbin, Col- 
lins, citizen Jones, and myself — were attacked by one hundred bushwhack- 
ers. A desperate struggle ensued. Captain Welch, your son, and Harbin, 
are known to have been killed. Gardner was wounded and captured, and 
was probably killed after capture. These three fought like brave men, 
and died as became the true soldier. 

Most truly your friend, 

L. A. THRASHER. 

Colonel Moonlight, with his brigade, had been 
left at Fort Smith, to prepare for the homewai'd 
march. At Fort Gibson, General Blunt found a 
battalion of the Indian Brigade, under Major Phillips, 
proceeding to Cabin Creek, for the purpose of 
strengthening the escort of a subsistence train, then 
expected. The garrison and Indian refugees had 
been for some time on quarter rations, and unless 
supplies soon arrived would be completely out. 
General Gano, with a brigade of Texans, and Stan 
Waite's Cherokee Brigade, had kept our troops 
cooped up at Gibson, and interrupted communica- 
tions as it pleased them, A short time before, a 
train had been attacked at Cow Creek. Major 
Foreman, of the 3rd Indian Regiment, was then in 
pursuit of the marauders. Gano was reported as 
mo^^ng north of the Arkansas again. These reports 
compelled vigilance on the part of troops traveling 



30S a:::,it Oi" the Boeder. 

north. Tlie subsistence train was found in the 
vicinity of Fort Scott, just moving out. Colonel 
Moonlight, who was several days behind General 
Blunt, met it at the Neosho, and, under orders from 
General Curtis, turned back to Cabin Creek, acting 
as escort until it was beyond danger. He then 
resumed his march to Paola, where the 2d Brigade 
arrived early in December. General Blunt reached 
Fort Scott about November 20th. 

Colonel Jennison, with his own Brigade, the 16th 
Kansas, and the Brigade of Colonel Benteen, moved 
by way of Cane Hill, Fayetteville and Bentonville. 
In his published report he gives this account of his 
return march, which, as presenting one view thereof, 
is here inserted : 

"In this camp, November 8th, was received the order of the General 
commanding, dissolving the Army of the Border, and attacliing to it the 1st 
Brigade for tlie homeward march, tlie 16ila Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, 1st 
Colorado and 9th Wisconsin Batteries, witli nearly the entire transportation 
of the army, and in pursuance of which order the brigade, on the morning 
of the 9th, took up its return line of march, proceeding very slowly, how- 
ever, on account of the nature of the roads, rendered almost impassable by 
the frequent rains experienced for several days previous, and continuing 
after our arrival at tlie river. 

"From the difficulty of procuring forage, and the total e:xhaustion of 
rations, the march northward was necessarily very much retarded, it 
requiring eight days to reach Fayetteville, which post we reached on the 
16th of November. 

'■But before proceeding farther, it becomes my most painful duty to 
record the loss of two of the most efficient and feithful officers of my com- 
mand — Captain Ordoff Norton, Company L, 15th Kansas Cavalry, and First 
Lieutenant Emmit Goss, Company M, 15th Kansas Cavalry, who were 
undouljtcdly killed while in charge of foraging parlies in the vicinity of Cane 
Hill, on tlie 12th of November, as all search for them has proven fruitless, 
and when last heard from they were closely pursued by a large force o. 
guerrillas, said to be under command of "Lieutenant Incks, C. S. A."' 
Always faithful in the discharge of their duties, never hesitating in the 
execution of any order, however hazardous. Captain Norton and Lieutenant 
Goss had endeared themselves to the entire coumaand, by their uniform 
kindness and affability towards all. Their loss is one whicli can be illy sus- 
tained by the regiment, and their memory will ever be cherished by all 
whose good fortune it was to be associated with them. 



DISMISSAL OF OFFICEES, ETC. 309 

" On the same day (12th) First Lioutenant J. J. Smith, commanding Com- 
pany E, 15th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, in charge of another party, was 
attacked by an overwliehning force of bushwhackers, and in the fight 
which ensued. Lieutenant Smith was very seriously, if not fatally wounded, 
he having been left in a critical situation at the hospital in Fayetteville, 
Arkansas. He was struck in the back and thigh, the former siiot going 
through the body and coming out below the left breast. The latter was a 
severe and painful flesh wound. Lieut. Smith will probably be permanently 
disabled for active service, if indeed he recovers from the effects of his 
wounds at all. I take pleasure, however, in mentioning him here as one of 
the most deserving officers of the 15th regiment, and one whose determined 
bravery, throughout the several actions in which the brigade was engaged, 
entitle him to the higliest praise. 

" Leaving Fayetteville, we continued the march northward through Keits- 
ville and Bentonville, Arkansas and Sarcoxie, and Lamar, Missouri, arriving 
at this post on Wednesday P. M., the 23rd of November, 1864, having 
niarclied, since leaving Hickman's Mills, on the 16th day of October, about 
twelve hundred miles, during the most inclement season of the year, without 
adeciuate transportation or supplies, subsisting mainly upon the country 
through which we passed. The loss in horses has been heavy, owing to the 
want of proper care and forage, and the exposure to which they have been 
subjected, as well as the numbers killed or wounded in action, all of which 
loss will, of course, be properly accounted for in the various returns to the 
respective departments entitled to receive them. Government property of 
other kinds has been abandoned from the absolute impossibility of trans- 
portation, which will also be full}- explained in the proper manner." 

Out of the conduct of the troops, or a portion of 
them, on this march has grown a series of accusa- 
tions, resulting in the court-martialing and dismissal 
of several officers of the 15th Kansas Cavalry, among 
them being the Colonel himself. The charges were 
made not only by the inhal>itants of the section 
through which they passed, but by some of the best 
officers serving in the Department of Kansas. The 
charges made involved killing of prisoners, robbery 
of non-combatants, general burning, destruction and 
spoliation of property. 

A communication in the Arkansas Journal^ a 
radical and loyal paper published at Little Rock, the 
cTrgan of the Free State Government, says, under 
date of June 7th, 1865, of the condition of affairs in 



iT 



310 AEMY OF TIIE BOEDEE. 

NortL^'estern Arkansas, and ,of tlie actions thus 
charged. The italics are not in the original : 

"After the defeat of Fagan at Fayetteville, on the 3rd of November last, 
and the retreat of the rebel army south of the Arkansas river, large num- 
bers of union people who had, during the fall campaign, fled to that post for 
protection against rebel persecution, were left entirely destitute of the means 
of support, and the long continued investment of the place, and the subse- 
quent almost impassable condition of the roads, had rendered it impossible 
for the government to keep up a sufficient supply of subsistence stores to feed 
both troops and citizens. In addition to this, the order for the abandonment 
of Western Arkansas in December last, caused for a time the stopping of 
southward bound trains, and prevented the importation of provisions by 
citizens. 

"For the three months of August, September and October, 1864, the 
presence in the country of an average number of fifteen hundred well 
mounted rebels, under command of Colonel W. H. Brooks and Major W. M. 
Brown, commonly known as "Buck Brown, the bushwhacker;" and, during 
the last two weeks of October, of fifteen thousand men under Sterling Price; 
then for nearly the whole month of November, the " Army of the Border,' 
under command of Major General Curtis, caused a destitution among the 
people almost unknown in the annals of history. On the rdurn oj Jennisori's 
Ibth Kanjia,s CkivcUry through Washirajton and Benton Counties, they plumltred 
the citizeris indiscriminately of the last vestige of moveable property that had ieen 
spared by all previous gang ^ of thieves, and lighted their disgracefid viarchhmne- 
ward, by the burning dwellings of the peaceful citizens, whom they had made out- 
casts and beggars in their oivn country. And to-day, the blackened chimneys 
,that mark the burial ground of all that was dear to hundreds of once happy 
families in Northwestern Arkansas, are appropriately termed 'Jennison's 
tombstones.' " 

It is to be deplored that such acts should have 
tarnished a fame so fairly and honorably won on the 
field. But there are men who mistake passion for 
principle ; who, animated by revenge, believe them- 
selves the instruments of retributive justice ; and 
wdiose mode of conducting war will always degene- 
rate into pillage and cruelty, leading after them the 
baser mass who make no pretence whatever. 

With the return of Colonel Jennison's command 
to their stations, the campaign was completely closed. 
After forty days in the saddle, making almost 
unequalled marches of over one thousand miles in all; 
fighting battles and winning victories against a foe 



CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN. 311 

outnumbering us largely ; bringing about tlieir com- 
plete and overwlielming defeat ; following them 
throLigli an impoverished and destitute country for 
several hundred miles ; allowing them no time to 
recover or recuperate their exhausted strength ; sav- 
ing by these rapid and daring movements our ex])osed 
garrisons in Western Arkansas and the Indian Terri- 
tory. This, as well as the earlier portion of the same 
extraordinary campaign, when an army was organized 
out of raw militia, presenting the spectacle of the 
business of a wdiole State being suspended, and 
every male person capable of doing so, flying to 
arms to defend their homes from invasion and spolia- 
tion. In whatever light we look at the campaign, 
to the history of which these pages have been 
devoted, its claim to be considered one of the more 
daring and vigorously executed of the war cannot 
be contested by any who may be cognizant of the 
extraordinary facts thereof. 

Great and disastrous as was the rebel defeat, yet 
none can deny admiration to the rebel leader, for 
the splendid manner in which the earlier portion of 
his great raid was conducted, nor for the endurance 
and energy displayed by him in his hardly pressed 
retreat. The sufferings of his troops must have 
been frightful. Success gilds all mistakes ; misfor- 
tunes and defeats dim the lustre of the most brilliant 
career. General Price was no exception to these 
rules. On arrival in Texas, the mortification and 
chagrin, natural to men so utterly defeated, broke 



312 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. 

out in crimination and recrimination against their 
commander. Portions of a very bitter correspond- 
ence between him and the perambulative rebel 
chiimant for the governorship of Missouri, Tom 
Reynolds, found their way into Northern newsj)apers. 
It also appeared that at the time our officers were at 
Shreveport, La., discussing terms of surrender with 
Kirby Smith, that General Price was then in arrest 
and being tried by court martial for the issue of 
his. campaign. So completely demoralized were 
portions of the rebel command, that it was found 
necessary to remove the Missouri cavalry into the 
interior of Texas to prevent their complete disband- 
ment by desertion and mutiny. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

GENERAL OKDERS AND CONGEATULATIONS. 

Colonel Jennison, on his return, issued the follow- 
ing congratulatory general order. Its modesty is 
as remarkable as its leuofth : 

Head- Quarters, Jennison' s Brigade, ^ 

In the Field, Fort Scott, Kansas, Nov. 23. 1864. ) 

General Field Orders, ) 
No. 3. [ 

I. In obedience to orders from the Major-General Commanding, the First 
Brigade, Army of the Border, is hereby dissolved; and the ditlerent regi- 
ments, battalions, detachments or batteries thereof, will proceed to their 
respective stations as elsewhere specifled. In dissolving the Brigade, how- 
ever, and relinquishing his connection witli it as a Brigade, the Colonel 
Commanding desires to express to one and all his thanks for the undivided 
support and cordial co-operation afforded him during tlie entire campaign 
recently closed — one of the most arduous and extensive yet undertaken siuce 
the opening of the war. Where all have sustained themselves so gallantly 
in the field, the Colonel Commanding feels that it would be injustice to par- 
ticularize, and he can therefore only award the fullest meed of praise to all 
under his command. 

Since the organization of the brigade at Hickman's Mills, Mo., on the 15th 
of October, you have marelied over one thousand miles, suffering all the 
privations incidental to a soldier's life; many of you on foot, without ade- 
quate clothing, blankets or commissary supplies, and yet no complaints were 
uttered; and whether in bivouac on the summit of the Boston mountains, or 
encountering an enemy your superior in numbers ten fold, it can still be said 
that the First Brigade was the same hardy, uncomplaining organization. 

On the 16th of October, we left Hickman's Mills, Mo., marching towards 
Warrensburg, west of which, however, our direction was changed to Lex- 
ington, where we arrived on the 18th. The succeeding day we were 
attacked by tlie full force of the enemy, estimated at 26,000. We lield our 
position \uitil the entire rebel army was developed, when,' overwhelmed by 
rapidly advancing numbers, we were compelled to fall back toward Inde- 
pendence, 'which movement was executed without the least confusion. To 
the First Brigade, then, is due the credit of having first engaged the rebel 
army under General Price in Central Missouri. 

39 



314 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

On the 21st, the brigade again bncountered the enemy at the Little Blue, 
in conjunction with the brigades of Colonels Ford and Moonlight, where 
was fought one of the most stubborn engagements of the campaign, as the 
list of casualties will show. Falling back from this position tlirough Inde- 
pendence, we again met the enemy at Byrom's crossing of the Big Blue, 
felling timber and obstructing his crossing for one entire day. with the First 
Brigade alone. Being compelled by force of opposing numbers to abandon 
this position, and closely followed by the rebels, we retreated slowly in the 
direction of Westport; meeting Shelby's Division of the rebel army on 
the prairie at tlie State line, below Westport, where the First Brigade 
held in cheek, and tinally rcnited. a force five times its number, driving 
them some four miles into the timber of the Blue. In this action, however, 
the brigade of "Colonel Moonlight took part, as did a portion of the Kansas 
State Militia. This action, more than anj^ other, established the reputation 
of the lirigade for cool and determined courage, as it was fought at short 
range and entirely with small arms, the howitzers not being brought into 
action. This check, so unexpected to the enemy, prevented, in the estima- 
tion of all, Shelbj^'s raid into Kansas; as he was compelled to fall back to 
the main army for the night. 

On the morning of the 23rd, the brigade, numbering scarcely six hundred 
men, was early aroused and prepared for the crowning battle of the cam- 
paign — the complete and total rout of Price at Westport — for wliicli we owe 
so much to our gallant comrades of General Pleasantou's Division. Our 
prospects were gloomy, it must be owned, until tlie white smoke puffs at 
our left gave evidence that the expected assistance had arrived; and then, 
with a courage that had ennobled it throughout the campaign, the First 
Brigade charged down tiie slopes. But tlirough a campaign so extensive — 
a march covering so many miles — it is impossible to remember details, or to 
recount individual acts of daring on the tield; but the Colonel Commanding 
is proud to report that he will ever remember the officers and men of the 
First Brisrade, with feelings of gratitude and affection. 

Then followed the battles of Little Santa Fe and Newtonia, in the former 
of which only a portion of the brigade was engaged, and which may per- 
haps be termed a mere desultory skirmish, in comparison to others preceding 
and subsequent. On the 28th, we came up with the rear of the rebel force 
at Newtonia, the main command having pushed into the timber south and 
west of the town; but the entire force was within easy supporting distance. 
Then the First Brigade, supported by the 1st Colorado Battery, and Colonel 
Ford's Brigade, engaged a force at least 20,000, while the total opposing 
army did not number eight hundred ! Newtonia! at the third battle fought 
on that almost storied ground, the twin Regiments of the West — Colorado 
and Kansas — acquitted themselves, as the General Commanding justly 
remarks, " with a courage and heroism unparalleled in the history of the 
war." 

On the march thenceforth to the Arkansas River, and the return, it is 
needless to speak at length; but the result is before us all. We have assisted 
in the defeat and total rout of a rebel army, estimated at 30,000 strong, and 
we have been among those who stood on the Arkansas, across which liad so 
recently passed the disorganized and demoralized remnant of the most for- 
midable army that ever attempted the invasion of Kansas. The nation appre- 
ciates your courage, and rejoices in the result of your heroic labors. Many 
of our comrades have fallen — some amid the roar and crash of battle — and 
others by the steady and ambushed rifle of the licensed banditti, who infest 
the Southern country. The former have nobly fallen; the latter were 
brutally murdered by those who outrage all laws of civilized warfare, and 
transform the soldier into the assassin. Among the victims of the latter, are 



CONGE ATULATOEY ORDERS. 315 

Orloff Norton, Captain Commanding Compaay L, 15th K. V. C, Emmett 
Goss, 1st Lieutenant Company M, latii K. V. C, and J. T. Smith, 1st, 
Lieutenant Commanding Company E, K. V. C. The two former liave never 
been heard from, and it is hardly to be supposed they have escaped. The 
latter lies dangerously wounded at Fayeiteville, Arkansas. Thus tliree 
among tiie bravest officers of the regiment liave been lost to it; and after 
having stood m the fore front of every action, are to bo recorded as killed 
or wounded by busliwhaekers. 

II. To Captain J. F. Broadhead, of Mound City, and Dr. Dubois, of 
Leavenworth, Volunteer Aids on his staff, the Colonel Connnanding is 
greatly indebted for their eliicicnt action and fearless dischai'ge of duties 
which devolved upon them. To Dr. Dubois, especially, at the battle ou the 
State Line, the Colonel Commanding would ac-cord particular praise for his 
coolness and determination on the field. 

III. In compliance with General Field Orders No. 6, dated Head-quar- 
ters, 1st Division, Army of the Border, camp on Arkansi^s River, November 
8th, ISGJr, the troops comprising the Finst Brigade, are autliorized to inscribe 
upon their banners, Lexington. Little Blue, Big Blue, Wkatjmt and Nev:tonia. 

IV. At the disbanding of the division, on the Arkan.sas River, the IGtli 
Kansas Cavalry, commanded by Major Ketner, the 1st Colorado Independent 
Battery, commanded by Captain McLain, and the 9th Wisconsni Battery, 
commanded by Captain Dodge, were attached to the brigade for the return 
inarch. To each of these, the Colonel Commanding tenders his hearty 
thanks for the' very able and soldierly manner in which they have sustained 
their counnands during the tedious marches of the return. 

V. The Colonel Commanding, deems it unnecessary in a general order to 
particularize, as the details of the campaign will be set forth in the Brigade 
reports to the Assistant Adjutant-General, as soon as the various reports 
from subordinate commanders are received. 

By order of Colonel Jennison: 

JOS. MACKLE, 
Lieutenant and A. A. A. General, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the 
Border. 

Colonel Moonlight, commanding tlie 2d Brigade, 
also issued a field order, in congratulation to liis 
command, wliich is here inserted : 

Head-Qu.a.kters, Second Brigade, First Division, \ 
Army of the Border, )■ 

Paola, Kansas, December 15, 18G4. 

General Field Order, 
No. 2. 

The brigade has been dissolved by your late Division Commander, Major- 
General James G. Blunt, now commanding District of South Kansas, and 
the companies will again resume ths stations occupied by them prior to the 
late campaign. 

When Price, with a well organized army, found his way into Missouri, 
and threatened the border of Kansas, the 2d Brigade was the first to rally to 
the '• Battle Cry of Freedom,"' and beard the lion in his den. It was you 
tliat led the advance and captured Lexington on the 18th of October, by a 
dashing charge of eight miles, killing in the vei-y streets several busliwhaek- 
ers (then holding the town awaiting Price's advance) wounding a few and 



i 



316 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

capturing: a number of prisoners. It was you who bore the brunt of the 
battle of Lexington on tlie following day, and by your determined will and 
indomitable courage, was the enemy held at bay, until his entire force was 
developed, and the eyes of the blind opened to the danger then threatening 
your young State. To yoic was assigned the duty of covering the retreat — 
and nobly was it done. Long after dark did j'ou contest every inch of 
ground. Stand after stand was made for miles, and while the ary was 
" Still they come," your front remained unbroken and your courage una- 
bated. The battle of the Little Blue on the 21st was certainly no less yours 
than that of Lexington. The 2d Brigade began the fight, having been left to 
meet the advancing enemy. The 2d Brigade maintained the fight and held 
their ground for several hours, part of the time with not twenty rounds of 
ammuniliou throughout, while cheer after cheer rent the air, for the purpose 
of blinding the enemy and bidding defiance to rebelhon. The 2d Brigade 
arjain covered the retreat on tlie evening of this day, battling with the 
enemy in the very streets of Independence until darkness put an end to the 
strife. 

You participated in the fight on Big Blue, and Kansas owes her safety to 
your gallantry and devotion, combined with that of the 1st Brigade, when 
you forced back the invading enemy on that memorable night, and compelled 
tliem to revere the very soil of Freedom and the institution against wiiich 
they were fighting; nor were you found wanting on the morrow, for tlie dawn 
of day found you in the saddle prepared to renew the unequal contest. To 
you was assigned the right of the line of battle, and could you have been 
properly supported, when yon drove the enemy back foot by foot, for over 
a mile, tlie battle field would assuredly then have been ours. When the 
enemy retreated, the 2d Brigade was on the right flank, and at Little Santa 
Fe compelled liim to abandon his purpose of marching south through Kan- 
sas. At Cold Water Grove the enemy again felt your presence, and after a 
continuous march of sixty-five miles, you arrived in time to save Mound City 
from ruin and her inhabitants from destruction. While the enemy was being 
scattered "like chaff before the wind" by our pursuing forces at the Marias 
des C3'gnes, you were whipping in the vandal flankers on the right, and 
while the battle of the Osage was raging, the 2d Brigade was forcing its 
way to Fort Scott. At Fort Lincoln, the enemj' denied you a passage, and 
by sheer force of numbers _you were compelled to march to Fort Scott by a 
circuitous route, having made thirty-five miles in five hours, including an 
hour's fight at Fort Lincoln. Fort Scott was saved. The enemy was 
whipped, and for the first time in ten days j'ou were reluctantly permitted 
to refresh yourselves in a siueet sleep of victory. It was not your fault' that 
you did not participate in the battle of Newtonia, as instructions had been 
received to await rations thou forty-eight hours due. You participated in 
the pursuit of Price until he crossed the Arkansas River, returning to your 
present stations via Fort Smith. 

In two months you have marched over twelve hundred miles, repeatedly 
engaged an enemy ten times your number with varied success. You have 
endured hardships of no ordinary magnitude; braved dangers in every shape, 
and still you are the same imcomplaining, devoted patriots; uniformly oloe- 
dient, and consistently careful of the interests of the Government and her 
loyal supporters. To you the country is indebted; of you the State of 
Kansas feels proud; guard well her interest in your new yet old positions on 
the border. Many gallant comrades have fallen during the struggle, and 
" sleep the sleep that knows no waking;" and while we mourn the departed 
heroes, let us nerve ourselves to deeds of still greater daring, remembering 
that rebellion still lives, and that Freedom knows no conqueror. 

To my Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Lieutenant I. I. Taber, Regi 



LETTER OF THANKS. 317 

mental Adjutant 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, I cannot give too much 
praise. He was my only staff officer throughout the entire campaign, 
and performed the duties of three officers, never faltering, ever ready and 
devoted to the interests of the brigade. Other officers and men deserve 
special mention, whicli is carefullv made in my report. 

THOS. MOONLIGHT, 
Colonel llth Kansas Cavalry, Commanding. 
Ira I. Taber, 1st Lieutenant and A. A. A. General. 

Colonel James H. Ford, 2(1 Colorado Cavalry, 
with the modesty that marks bis character and dis- 
tinguishes the true soldier, did not indulge in this 
luxury. The Governor of Colorado, however, paid 
to the troops from that Territoiy, the following 
handsome and well-deserved compliment : 

LETTER OF THANKS. 



Executive Department, Colorado Territory, 
Denver, December 2, 18G4. 



To the Officers and. Men of the Second Regiment of Colorado Cavalry, and the 
First Colorado Battery : 

I thank you in behalf'of our common country, and especially of your 
fellov?-eitizens of Colorado Territory, who have heard with pride and plea- 
sure, the report of your gallant and heroic conduct in the late and bloody 
battles with the rebel hosts under Price. 

While our citizens mourn the loss of friends fallen nobly coniending for 
their country's honor, every patriotic heart rejoices that victory perched" 
upon your banner. 

The hopes, the prayers and benedictions of those you have left behind 
you will follow 3'ou, and when you return from the field, their gratitude will 
prove that the defenders of their country shall receive the honors of their 
countrymen. " JOHN EVAXS, 

Governor Colorado Territory. 

At Department head-quarters, a special order was 
issued, relieving Sergeant Spencer P. Wade, C(^m- 
pany"E," 11th K. V. C, who with a detachment 
had been placed on the steamers " Emile" and " U. 
S. Grant," while they were employed in the military 
service as patrol boats. The last paragraph thus 
honoral)ly speaks of Sergeant Wade : 

" In relieving Sergeant Wade from the important duty assigned him, the 
General Commanding takes pleasure in acknowledging the soldierly conduct 



318 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

and efficient manner in which he and the men under his control have dis- 
charged their trust, and sincerely liopes tlieir example may actuate others 
to the discharge of their duties in the same laudable manner. 
"By Command op Major-General Curtis: 

'•JOHN WILLANS, A. A. G." 

The following deserved tribute to a member of 
the once " despised and rejected race," is worthy a 
place here : 

Head-Quarters, Fort Scott, Kansas, ) 
November 18, 1864. J 

Lieutenant W. D. Matthews, Colored Light Artillery^ Fort Scott, Kansas : 

Sir: — On leaving this post, pursuant to orders from Department Head- 
quarters, I desire to express to you my sincere thanks for the patient 
industry and skill, with which you have dis;harged your various duties 
since I placed you on duty, to assist in preparnig the post for a vigorous 
defence against the probable attack of the enemy. 

You have been a model of proper discipline and subordination, strictly 
attentive to duty, promptly obedient to orders, and acting with a wise dis- 
cretion in all matters requiring the exercise of your individual judgment. 
Trusting that you may be successful in the service, and in life, I am 
Very respectfully yours, 

CHAS. W. BLAIR, 

Colonel Commanding Post. 

We close with the order of General Blunt, 
relieving the Volunteer Aides wlio served upon the 
Division Staff: 



Order, ) 
1- \ 



Head- Quarters, First Division, 
Army of the Border, 
In the Field, Fort Scott, Nov. 22d, 1864. 

General Order, 
No. 

I. The campaign against the rebel forces under General Price, having 
successfully terminated, the following named persons, Volunteer Aides on 
the Staff of the Commanding General, announced in General Field Orders, 
No. 5, are hereby relieved from further duty: 

Lieutenant-Colonel J. T. Burris, late of the 10th Regiment Kansas Volun- 
teers. 

Major Thomas H. Penny, late of the 35th Missouri Volunteers. 
Major R. G. Ward, 1st Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers. 
Captain A. J. Shannon, Provost Marshal District South Kansas. 
Captain T. E. Milhoan, late of the 10th Regiment Kansas Volunteers. 

II. In taking leave, the General Commanding desires to ex^Dre-ss his 
gratitude to these officers, for their valuable services and uniform gallant 
conduct. 

III. Company E, 14th Kansas Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant 



EETUENS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. 819 

W. B. Clark, detailed as escort to the Commanding General on the 22d of 
October, are deserving of especial mention for their gallantry in the battlea 
of the 23rd and 2Sth. They will inscribe on their guidon " Weiitpo7-f^ and 
' ' Newtonia. ' ' 

By COMMAND OF MaJOR- GENERAL BLUNT: 

GEO. S. HAMPTON, A. A. General. 

Tlie returns from the medical officers of the army 
(wliicli clo not sliow the militia who fell, the large 
number who were but slightly wounded, and many 
who were allowed to proceed to their homes for 
attendance and care) give the following as our loss : 
Killed, seventy-five ; wounded, one hundred and 
seventy-three ; three died in hospital ; total, two 
hundred and fifty-one. Missing (probably bush- 
whacked) six ; prisoners, one hundred and twenty. 
The total loss with the militia will be about five 
hundred. 

General Pleasanton reports, three hundred and 
sixty wounded in hospital, and about one hundred 
killed, in all four hundred and sixty. Our entire 
loss, resulting from casualties of battle, exposure, 
bushwhacking, <fec., would thus not exceed one 
thousand men. 



APPENDIX. 



n mtmoxt^m. 



How sleep the brave who sink to rest, 
By all their country's wishes blessed / 
By fairy hands their knell is rung; 
By forms unseen their dirge is sung; 
There Honor comes a pilgrim gray, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay; 
And Freedom shall awhile repair, 
To dwell a weeping hermit there. 

— William Collins, 1146. 



"We live in deeds, not years ; in thoughts, not breaths ; 
In feelings, not in figures on a dial. 
We should coimt time by heart-throbs. He most lives 
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. 

— Philip James Bailey. 



APPENDIX. 



HORAno Knowles, of Marmaton, Bourbon County, Kansas, was murdered 
October 23rd, by a gang of guerrillas, under command of Major S. Piercy, 
formerly of Missouri, who attacked the town. 

Mr. Knowles had just resigned his commission as Lieutenant-Colonel of 
the 2d Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry (Colonel S. J. Crawford) 
owing to ill health, and returned to his home in Kansas, and commenced busi- 
ness as a merchant. He was one of the best and most esteemed citizens of 
the county, and his loss was keenly felt. Coming to Kansas in 1857, he 
took a decided position as a Free State man. during all the troubles which, 
in '57, '8 and '9, disturbed South- Eastern Kansas, though never identiGed 
with the lawless element which the fierce agitation had produced. 

He was elected in October, 1857, to the first Free State Territorial Legis- 
lature, and again to the first State Legislature, in 1861, in which as a repre- 
sentative, he ably discharged his duties. He was recognized as a man ot 
sterling integrity, great worth, good business ability and sagacity. He was 
elected to the State Senate in the Fall of 1862. In the Spring of 1863, he 
received an appointment as Major in the Fourth Regiment, Indian Brigade. 
Two regiments were authorized by the Secretary of War, and provisional 
appointments issued to field officers and captains of companies. The parties 
were then ordered to report to Colonel "William A. Phillips at Fort Gibson. 
Among them was Colonel Knowles. On reporting. Colonel Phillips assigned 
them regularly to various duties, so that they were precluded from recruit- 
ing, even if the presence of an active enemy had not rendered success almost 
impossible. 

Major Knowles afterwards accepted the position of Lieutenant-Colonel, 
tendered him by Major-General James G. Blunt, in the colored regiment he 
was then raising. In this position he gained the esteem of his brotlier 
officers, and the confidence and regard of the men. Owing to ill-health, 
after six months' service, he was compelled to resign. 



324 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

Colonel Knowles was a man of naiddle age and fine appearance. Univer- 
sally esteemed while living, his sad and ill-starred fate woke a common regret. 
His name adds another to the long list of those who fell that the land might 
be free and the nation redeemed. 



Daniel M. Bkown, shot down in an attempt to escape, was formerly from 
Indiana, and settled in Kansas in 1860. He was an active citizen, having 
been Postmaster and Justice of the Peace. An old man, and esteemed by 
all, he was one of the most uncompromising foes to the rebelhon by whose 
murderous hand he fell. He has three sons in the army. 



Dr. L. M. Shadwick came from Missouri to Kansas in 1861. A Southern 
man by birth, he was devotedly attached to the Union, and in the same year 
gave proof thereof by joining as a private. Company " E," of tlie 10th Kansas 
Infantry Volunteers (formerly the 3rd and 4th Regiments, Lane Brigade). 
He served through the memorable campaign of the Lane Brigade at Dry- 
wood, Morristown, Osceola, and elsewhere on the Border. He was early 
appointed Hospital Steward, in which position he remained till his three 
years' service expired, and he was mustered out in August of 18G4. Serving 
with his regiment throughout the campaign in the Indian Territory undei 
Colonel William Weer; and with General Blunt, in that which put North- 
western Arkansas under our rule, he did his whole duty. Resuming his pro- 
fession at Marmaton, he was rapidly gaining an extensive practice, when 
the bushwhacker's bullet finally mustered him out, and sent him to fill an 
untimely grave. 



Joseph Stout came to Kansas from Jasper County, Missouri, and had just 
completed a term of three years' service in Company "E" of the 10th 
Kansas Volunteers. 



Warren Hawkins was a much respected citizen, an industrious farmer, 
and leaves a large family to mourn his loss. 



Albert McGonigle was a promising young man, not more than IT years 
old; the son of Josiah McGonigle, of Bourbon County, a well known and 
much esteemed citizen. 



DE LONG GOSS. 325 

Wm. a. DeLong, First Lieutenant, Company "G," (Captain Bush') Second 
Regiment Kansas State Militia (Colonel G. W. Veale) resided at Auburn, 
Shawnee County, where his widow now lives. He came to Kansas in 1860. 

Lieutenant" DeLong was severely wounded in tlie right shoulder at the 
engagement between Jackman's and part of Dobbins' Brigades, and the 2d 
Regiment (Colonel Veale) Kansas State Militia, the Topeka Battery, and 
portions of other militia organizations, under Brigadier General Grant, 
Kansas State Militia, on the 22d of October. 

The wound was not necessarily fatal, but disabled him so as to prevent 
an attempt to escape in the retreat of tlie remnant of the regiment. All 
concur in praise of Lieutenant DeLong's gallantly. He was shot after cap- 
ture, by men detailed by the infamous Colonel Jackman himself, being 
wounded several times, one ball passing through the spinal column, paraly- 
zing his lower limbs. That all our prisoners did not meet the same fate, 
was owing to the personal interference of General Shelby, to whom, as a 
gallant and generous foe, all praise is accorded. 

Lieutenant DeLong was left on the field by the rebel assassins, and there 
fonnd by our men. Being carried to the General Hospital at Kansas City, 
he lingered in great agony till the middle of November, when he calmly 
met a patriot's death. 



Emmet Goss, First Lieutenant, Company "M," 15th Regiment, Kansas 
Cavairy Volunteers, was killed by bushwhackers while out with Captain 
Norton on a foraging expedition near Cane Hill, Arkansas, November 12th, 
it is lirlicved, by the rebelf^ under a notorious guerrilla, known as " Jencka" 
or "Tucks.' 

Lieutenant Goss was still a young man, but leaves a wife and children to 
mourn his loss. He was a native of North Carolina, but previous to the out- 
break of the rebellion was hving in Jackson County, Mo., where his avowed 
Union principles and active services soon made him a marked man. Always 
radical, he was uncompromising in his devotion to the national cause, and 
served in the militia regmicnts of that State. When the 15th Kansas wa8 
being recruited he assisted in the organization of Company "M."- Lieut- 
enant Goss was esteemed a valuable officer, especially in the scouting service, 
in which the exigencies of the border required the employment of cavalry. 



Orloff Norton, Captain, Company '-L," 15th Kansas Cavalry Volunteers, 
was killed bv bushwhackers, while the regiment was on its homeward march 



32G AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

from tlie Arkansas River. Colonel Charles R. Jennison, commanding the 
troops moving by way of Cane Hill and Fayetteville, Ark., thus speaks in hia 
report of the circumstances under v/hich Captain Norton fell: ''He was 
undoubtedly killed (with Lieutenant Goss, Company "M") while in charge 
of foraging parties, in the vicinity of Cane Hill, on the 12th of November, as 
all search has proved useless, and when last heard from they were closely 
pursued by a large force of guerrillas, said to be under command of Lieutenant 
Jeucks, C.S.A.'' 

In " General Field Orders, No. 3," dissolving the 1st Brigade, the Colonel 
commanding says of Captain Norton and Lieutenant Emmet Goss, Company 
"M," 15th Regiment Kansas Cavalry : "The two former have never been 
heard from, and it is hardly to be supposed they have escaped." Notliing 
has since been heard of this gallant officer: there is no doubt remaining of 
his fate. Orloff Norton was a native of Delaware County, Ohio. Born iia 
1837, at the time of his deatli he was but 27 years of age. He came to 
Kansas in 1860, settling in the Neosho Valley. At the organization of the 
12th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Infantry (Colonel C. W. Adams) he enlisted 
as a private, serving on the border, until, in the Fall of 1863, he received a 
commission as .second lieutenant in the company whose captain he was at 
the time of his death. He participated through the whole of the campaign — 
his regiment forming part of the First Brigade in General James G. Blunt's 
Division. He was in the battles of Lexington, Little Blue, Byrom's Ford, Big 
Blue, State Line, "Westport and Newtonia. His Biigade Commander, Colo'iel 
Jennison (15th Kansas Cavalry), speaks of Captain Norton and Lieutenant 
Goss, in his report to the General commanding First Division: " Tlieir loss 
is one which can be illy sustained by the regm:ient; and their memory'- will 
be cherished by all whose good fortune it was to be associated with them." 



Charles V. Hyde, Orderly Sergeant, Company "C," 11th Kansas Cavalry 
Volunteers, was killed at the engagement, Lexington, Missouri, while gal- 
lantly performing duty with his company in the extreme advance of our line. 
He was a citizen of Lyon County, Kansas, where his parents still reside. 
A young man, twenty years of age, he served his country for over two years, 
participating with his regiment in the memorable campaign of the Army or 
the Frontier, under General James G. Blunt ; and distinguished himself as 
a soldier in the fatigues and trials incidental to a soldier's life, not less than 
by his courage at Newtonia. Cane Hill and Prairie. He was with the Com- 
pany in its arduous services against guerrillas during General Ewing's 
administration of the Border District of Missouri and Kansas, in the Summer 
and Fall of '63. 



VERNON. 327 

Rev. Richard Vernon was murdered on the march of the rebels from 
West Point, Cass County, Missouri, to the Trading Post, Linn County, Kansas. 
Of the manner of his deatli the following incidents are told. Lieutenant 
Colonel Wheeler, loth Kansas Volunteers, Assistant Field Oflicer of the 
day, and Captain Young of the 6th Kansas Cavalry, Acting Provost Marshal 
of the 2d Brigade, were the first officers of our army who reached the 
scene of desolation after the rebel marauders had passed. From their 
knowledge and our own observation the facts are gathered. 

Mr. Vernon lived in Linn County, close to the State Line, having removed 
from Cass County, where for several years as a preacher of the Methodiat 
Church North he had lived and labored. He was a faithful Anti-Slavery 
Unionist, and for these opinions had been much persecuted 

At the time of the passing of the rebel army, Mr. Vernon, with a wagon 
and team, was standing in a neighbor's yard. A lot of the ruffianly bush- 
whackers who followed along the flanks and rear of the invading army, rode 
in and demanded the horses. This was the first house entered by the rebels 
after crossing the State line, and is about six miles north of the Trading Post, 
and about two miles from West Point. The trail had beaten the prairie like 
a long used road, and was as distinguishable in the night as a wagon road 
would have been in the daytime. 

Mr. Veruon, expostulating with the invaders, told them he owned the 
ponies. The reply was a brutal order to unhitch them. The old man, still 
demurring, was instantly shot down. Death ensued immediately. This 
fiendish act occurred in sight of the irunates of the cabin, who were the wife 
and family of a settler, fortunately absent. After murdering the inoffensive 
old man of 60 years, they commenced a work of devastation which was 
as complete as our rapid approach would allow. 

They burned the forage, set fire to the fences, attempting to do the same 
to the house. The poor woman, however, put out the fire. Every article 
of clothing or food was taken or destroyed. Among other things they found 
a pot of soap-grease, which they devoured like so many half famished 
wolves, and then, to exhibit their petty spite against the poor woman, they 
smashed the pot. A little way from the house was a splendid spring of 
pure cold water, which the family had excavated to the depth of ten or 
twelve feet aud had walled it up, making a very wide and capacious well. 
After exhausting the water in supplying themselves and animals, these brave 
soldiers led one of their old broken down horses up to the mouth of the 
well, shot him and tumbled him in. 

This was the condition of tlie dwelling when our advance came up. The 
murdered form of their venerable neighbor lay in the door yard, as it fell 
under the assassin's bullet. The cabin was a scene of devastation and ruin. 



328 AEMY OF THE BOEDEK. 

The poor woman and children were cowering in ahnost idiotic terror, while 
the fires lit by the marauders still smouldered. By direction of Captain 
Young, a portion of the provost guard were set to work, clearing out the 
spring, and otherwise aiding the poor people. 

. Mr. Vernon was a man universally respected. Originally from Pennsyl- 
vania, his life had been spent upon the frontier in discharge of the selt- 
eacrificing duties incidental to the life of an itinerant preacher. A faithful 
upholder of the principles of Union and Liberty, he at last fell a victim to 
Slavery's treason. Mr. Vernon left a wife and five children, who removed 
to Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where his brother, Mr. D. A. 
Vernon, edits the American, a County Republican journal. 



John Miller, an aged citizen sixty-five years old, was murdered at his 
home in the vicinity of the Trading Post. 



Elder "Williams, living two miles nortJ] of the Post, with a son just dis- 
charged from the 6th Kansas Cavalry, were taken prisoners the night of the 
24th. Both were probably murdered. 



G. L. Gove, Captain, Company "G," 11th Regiment Kansas Volunteer 
Cavalry (Colonel Thomas Moonlight) died at Olathe, Kansas, November 1th, 
1864, of disease contracted through exposure in the field in the early part of 
the campaign. 

Captain Gove was one of the most promising and efiicient officers among 
those serving in the Kansas regiments. He was a citizen of Riley County, 
where his father, Hon. Moses Gove, Mayor of Manhattan, is highly esteemed. 
His gallant son was but 23 years of age when he died, and had, by his own 
merit and hard service, won the commission he then bore. Entering the 
service in August, 1861, as private in Company "P,'' Gth Regiment Kansas 
Volunteer ('avalry, he served in all the actions his regiment participated in, 
till August of the following year. He was in engagements on the Osage, and 
at Coon Creek, and in the pursuit after Shelby during the Spring of 1862, 
when General Blunt made his first campaign after assuming command of the 
Department of Kansas. He also served in the Indian Territory campaign, 
under Colonel William Weer, during the summer of the same year. 

On the 13th of August he was appointed second lieutenant and recruiting 



GOVE. 329 

officer in the 11th Kansas Volunteers. He, "wath Captain Adams, raised 
Compauy " G," among his neighbors and associates in Riley County, and was 
unanimously elected first lieutenant. With his regiment he served through- 
out the brilliant campaign of the Army of the Frontier, under the gallant 
General Blunt, participating in all the engagements. At Cane Hill and 
Prairie Grove, he was distinguished by his coolness and courage. 

With his Company, he was stationed upon the border during the summer 
of 1863. At the time of reorganizing the regiment as cavalry, Captain Adama 
was promoted to a majority, and Lieutenant Gove being unanimously elected 
captain, was commissioned as such by the Governor. On the reorgauization 
of the Department of Kansas, under General S. R. Curtis, Captain Gove's 
Company was selected to serve as his escort. This mark of confidence was 
due entirely to the soldierly qualities displaj^ed by their young coiumander, 
and the high state of drill and discipline into which he had brought the 
company. 

While serving in that capacity at Department Head-quarters, he was seve- 
ral times sent into Missouri, and during the continuance of the Paw Paw 
rebellion, was on duty in Platte Count}'. He was with the General on his 
late Indian expeditions, and when the campaign against Price commenced, 
moved to the front to take part in the actions of the hour. This in spite of 
the fact that his health was precarious. He was in the heat of the engage- 
ment at the Little Blue, October 21st, being sent with Major Hunt, Chief of 
Artillery, to support the howitzers of his own command, and two under Ser- 
geant Patterson, 14th Kansas Cavalry, attached to the First Brigade. In 
this position he was subjected to tlie heaviest fire from the enemy's lines. 
At the engagement on the afternoon of the 22d, when Colonel Jennison 
(after being driven from Byrom's Ford) assisted by Colonel Moonlight with 
the 2d Brigade, met and turned the leading rebel division under Shelby, 
which had already entered Kansas near the Shawnee Mission Manual Labor 
School, driving them for four miles. The body guard, under Captain Gove, 
was taken to the front by Major Hunt and placed to support the centre of 
our line, where it did gallant service. 

The body guard with its gallant captain participated in the final charge 
south of Westport upon the eventful morning of the 23rd, and was active in 
the pursuit that followed. He remained in the field until sickness compelled 
him to leave. The result was fatal. 

This gallant soldier died in the early dawn, with the flush of young man- 
hood upon his brow. His military career was alike honorable and brilliant, 
and it is not to be doubted that a character so marked, as was that of Cap- 
tain Gove's, would have won for him a proud place in life. 



41 



330 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

James Nelson Smith, Second Major of tlie Second Regiment Colorado 
Volunteer Cavalry (Colonel James Ford) fell while in command of tlie 
regiment at the Battle of the Little Blue, between Independence and the 
stream thus named, on the morning of the 21st of October, ISG-i. 

At the time of his death he was leading the advance line of the 4tli Bi-igade — 
Colonel Ford commanding; the Second Colorado having been ordered to the 
support of a battery of liowiizers brought from Independence and placed in 
position by Major R. H. Hunt (15tli Kansas Volunteer Cavalry) Chief of 
Artillery, upon the staff of Major-General Curtis. Major Smith was on the 
right, and in advance of a farm house two miles from the bridge, in which 
the howitzer battery had been placed. Before them was an open held 
skirted by timber, which was occupied by tlie rebels. It is generally 
believed that the command immediately in front was the bushwhacking 
force which had recently joined General Price, under the infamous George 
Todd ; the same gang which, under Quantreli. Tod4, Yeager, and others, 
participated in all the atrocities of Lawrence, Bater's Springs, the "Sam 
'Traty" massacre, and other affairs on the Border. 

Major Smith's towering form and fine appearance attracted the rebels' 
attention, and the fusilade in his direction became marked and dangerous. 
While the line was m this position (Colonel Moonlight, with the 11th 
Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, having moved to the front again in support of 
the artillery, forming on the left) Major Smith was pierced to the heart 
with a rebel bullet. He never spoke, but fell from his saddle dead. 

The deceased was a man of fine appearance, being over six feet tall, and 
well proportioned; with an open countenance which bespoke intelligence, 
energy and decision of character. He was formerly a citizen of Kansas, 
having resided at Elwood, Doniphan County, in 1859. Ilis brother. Major 
Samuel D. Smith, Brigade Surgeon, was formerly surgeon of the famous 
First Kansas; and another brother, Ebenezer Smith, is a partner of Jerome 
B. Chaffee, of Colorado, who has since been so successful both in business 
and public afiairs, in that flourishiug Territory. All of them resided at one 
time in Elwood, and together (except the Doctor) moved to the mountains. 

"When tlie alarm was sounded at Fort Sumter, in '61, and Governor 
William Gilpin commenced the organization of the 1st Colorado Regiment, 
J. Nelson Smith was among the first to respond. At the time of the organi- 
zation of tlie 3rd Regiment Colorado Volunteers, the Major was commissioned 
as snch by Governor Evans; Colonel Dodd and Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel 
S. Curtis being the other field officers. 

With six companies of this regiment (afterwards consolidated with the 2d 
under Colonel James Ford, thus forming the now famous Second Regiment) 
Major Smith marched from Fort Lyon to Fort Scott, and afterwards partici- 



SMITH. 331 

pated in the engagement at Cabin Creek, against the rebel Stand 'Waitie, 
with his mongrel force of Indians and Texans. On reaching Fort Gibson, 
General Blunt soon assumed command, and the campaign of 'G3, in the 
territory south of the Arkansas River,' commenced. Tlie regiment partici- 
pated in tlie victory of Honey Springs, July 17t]i, I860; in the marcli on 
and rout at Perry ville, Choctaw Nation; and in the subsequent occupation 
of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Afterwards, when the regiment was ordered to 
Springfield, previous to consolidation, Major Smith was in command on the 
march. 

After reorganization, the 2d Colorado was stationed upon the western bor- 
der of Missouri, witii head-quarters at Kansas City. For over a year its 
record has been of a most brilliant character, and the personal services of 
the gallant and lamented Major most untiring and valuable. 

Throughout the entire term of its services in Jackson and the adjacent 
counties of Missouri, Major Smith had command of stations involving great 
activity and responsibility. During the continuance of what Ls known in 
Missouri and Kansas as ' ' The Paw Paw Rebellion, ' ' Major Smith was 
vigorously employed under Colonel Ford, and in conjunction with troops 
from General Curtis' command in operations against Taylor, Thr;iilkill and 
otliers, iu tlie counties of Platte and Clay, Missouri. He was foremost in 
the attack on and rout of the rebels at Camden Point, Platte County, aJid 
afterwards, in the same campaign, he had several sharp encounters witli 
Thrail Kill near Liberty, Clay Count}-. Throtighout his service in this 
region, Major Smith made himself the dread of the treacherous bush- 
whackers and their allies, wliile at the same time he was always found 
opposed to tlie unlicensed spoliation and robbery whicli had been construed 
to mean living off the enemy, and was too often permitted as a "radical" 
method of warfare, to the utter demoralization of our troops, making 
marauders out of soldiers. 

At the commencement of the Price Campaign, Major Smith, witli tlie regi- 
ment, was under orders to report to General Curtis, prej)aratory to an 
expected removal to Colorado, where the continued hostilities of the Indians 
of the Plains rendered additional force necessary. 

By request of General Rosecrans, they were detained tmtil tlie growing 
emergencies rendered their presence imperative. Being then stationed at 
Pleasant Hill, the force under Colonel Ford thus became the advanced out- 
post of the Department of Kansas, and the forces of General Curtis. In 
this position Major Smith was constantly employed in command of scouts to 
feel the enemy's positions and watch their movements. He occupied Inde- 
pendence upon the 14th of October, only retiriug before a superior rebel 
force. On the loth he was sciit on a reeonnoissance towards Lexington, 



332 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

-which city he occupied on the 16th, remaining till next day, then returning 
to Independence, which he left only to face tlie foe, and nobly met a soldier's 
death. 

J. Nelson Smith was born in January, 1837, at Beaver Dam, Erie County, 
Pennsylvania. At the time of his death he was consequently not 28 years 
of age. He received a liberal education, graduating at the Meadville College 
in his native State. 

One who knew him well thus speaks of his life in his adopted home: " The 
" career of the deceased in Colorado was that of an earnest, honest and 
" capable young man. He made friends wherever he went, not because he 
' ' sought them, but for the reason that he deserved them and they came to 
"him." 

He was first buried with military honors at Kansas City by his mourning 
comrades, who, of all grades, regretted his loss as that of a tried, true and 
valued friend. Afterwards his remains were removed by his brother. Sur- 
geon Smith, to Greenwood Cemetery, near Leavenworth, Kansas. 

He fell battling for nationality, for liberty, for the broadest human oppor- 
tunities, and the grandest development of the highest Christian civilization. 
Dying for America, young, honored and brave, his name shall be esteemed 
as one who deserved well of his country, and who gave all for that country's 

welfare. 

" Sleep, soldier ! still in honored rest 

Your truth and valor wearing ; 
The bravest are the tenderest, 
The loving are the daring." 



H. C. CoviL, Company "B," Second Regiment Kansas State Millitia, was 
killed at the engagement near the Big Blue River, on the road from Kansas 
City to Hickman's Mills, on the 22d of October, 1864, in the fight between 
the regiment to which he belonged and the advance brigade (Jackman's) of 
Shelby's Division, which had just succeeded in forcing the passage of the 
stream at Byrom's Ford, about four miles from the one held by the militia. 

Mr. Covil was a farmer, living three miles from the city of Topeka. He 
leaves a wife and one child. His age was about forty. He came to Kansas 
among the earliest settlers, locating in Shawnee County, and was always au 
active participant in the Free State troubles. A man much esteemed by his 
neighbors, he had twice been elected County Commissioner, and his loss is 
regretted as that of a good man and valuable oitizen. 



YOUNG HANDLEY BEOWN^, ETC. 333 

Harvey G. Young, Company "B," Second Restiraent Kansas State Militia, 
was killed in the engag-ement near the Big Blue, at the Hickman's Mills 
Crossing. He was a citizen of Topeka, doing business tliere; a young man 
but little over 30 years of age, and settled in Kansas in 1854, passing through 
all the troublous Free State agitation, in which warfare he bore an active 
part. 



Daniel Handley, of the Topeka Battery, fell at the engagement, October 
22d, on the Blue, while most bravely attempting to defend the gun used by 
our militia, against a charge from Jackman's Brigade. He was an Irishman, 
a butcher by trade, and came to the State in 1858. 



Nicholas Brown, of the Independent Battery, was shot down while 
working the 24-pound howitzer captured by Shelby from General Grant, 
Kansas State Militia, October 22d. He was a young man but 33 years of 
age, Prussian by birth, and very generally esteemed by his associates. 



George Grinold was a member of Battery, an industrious German carpen- 
ter, whose death is felt severely by his wife and children. He came to 
Kansas, settling in Topeka, in 1860. Like the large majority of Germaas, 
he was an ardent Republican, and a sincere and loyal citizen. 



McClure Martin, of the Battery, was not only an active member of that 
organization, in which he fell, but a respected and esteemed citizen of 
Topeka. He was but a young man. Came to Kansas from Pennsylvania. 
His brother and family reside at Topeka. He was an active Free State man 
throughout the perilous hours of '54, '5 and '6, and at last gave his life 
in defence of the principles he had so long sustained, meeting death at 
the hands of Slavery's minions witii the same courage that he had combatted 
it in life. 



C. H. BUDD was a native of Maine, who came to Kansas in 1860. A brick- 
mason by occ'ipation, he was esteemed as a faithful and industrious work- 
man. He fell with the Battery to which he belonged, on the 22d of October 



384 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

Lett Selkin, a (Jerman citizen of Topoka, was killed in the engagement upon 
the Big Blue, October 22d, while working the gun to which he was attached. 



Merrick D. Race was born in North Eidgeville, Loraine Countj'-, Ohio, 
January 24th, 1842. At the time of his death he was then 22 years old. 
He received an excellent education. In August, 1861, he joined the 11th 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and soon after came to Kansas with his 
command. He'served through Kansas, on the Border and in the Indian 
Territory, until being taken sick, he was, after a long illness, mustered out 
for disability at Columbus, Ohio, in the Spring of '63. 

He then entered the Commercial College at Oberlin, where he rapidly 
perfected in the studies, having the intention of becoming a teacher liimself. 
Removing to Topeka, Kansas, August, 1864, he engaged in the starting of a 
Commercial College. This institution, known as Mills and Race's College, 
was in a flourishing condition when Price's invasion summoned all to arms. 

Young Race immediately joined the battery and proceeded witli it to the 
Border. In this he was very useful, having considerable practical knowledge 
of artillery drill and practice. At the fight near Russell's Ford, on the 22d, 
the gallant young soldier, after having actively aided tlie resistance by the 
small detachment with the gun before the arrival of Colonel Yeale, passed 
amid the storm of bullets along the entire front of the rebel line for tlie pur- 
pose of reconnoitering, and returned to Colonel Veale v/ith tiie information 
that they were several thousand in number. He was taken prisoner in the 
final charge, after being promised treatment as a prisoner of war, and imme- 
diately, on delivery of his arms, was shot twice, one ball passing through his 
leg and the other passing through his lungs. 

Being left for dead he was, after the rebels moved off, succored by a 
member of the Auburn Company, who had also escaped. This young man 
brought water, and succeeded in removing iiim to a house near by. Here he 
remained until re-captured by our forces on Sunday. In the evening he 
was moved two miles for the purpose of better attendance. He remained, 
enduring his agony with cheerfulness, at times believing he would recover, 
until Monday morning, when at 2 A. M. his spirit left for the better land. 
He was buried on the field, but his body was afterwards removed, by an 
uncle, to Loraine County, Ohio. 

He died regretted by all. Active, talented, generous, earnest, his cow- 
ardly murder, after surrender, is but another evidence of the hellish spirit 
engendered by slavery. 



MAYEERS COOK. 335 

Besides those already given, we record the names of those of our dead, 
killed October 22d, of wliom no particulars have reached us: 

Company "B" (Topeka) — Private J. B. Alverson. 

Company " C " (Tecumseh) — Privates Albert Chipmau and Elias Roberts. 
R. B. Hoeback and Osborne Nayor, taken prisoners, escaped on the 4th day, 
died after return home, of the exposure. 

Company "D" (Indiauola) — Privates Robert McKown, Dennis Ray, and 
Moses Banks (colored). 

Company "F" (Big Springs) — Privates David Rake, James Eagle and 
Robert Campbell. 

Company " G" (Auburn) — Privates W. P. Roberts and Samuel Allen. 

Company "I" (Monmouth) — Privates "William Wann and Robert RoUs. 

The Topeka Battery, Company "A" — Ben Hughes (colored). 



James Mayrers, of Wyandotte, "Wagon Master of the 23rd Kansas State 
Militia, was killed in the same engagement. As.»also a colored teamster, 
whose name is unknown. 



Aaron Cook, was a citizen of Jefferson County, Kansas, and a member of 
the 4th Regiment Kansas State Militia (Colonel McCain commanding). This 
regiment was ordered from Independence after the engagement near the 
Little Blue, October 21st, and during the niglit were directed to proceed to 
and hold Byrom's Ford, four miles above the old Independence and Kansas 
City Road. On arrival here, a party of twenty-one men were sent as scouts 
and messengers towards Hickman's Mills, where was stationed a militia force 
under Brigadier-General M. S. Grant, Kansas State Militia. On their return, 
and wlien within a mile or two of the Ford, the party were surprised and 
all but one taken prisoners — he escaping by the fleetness of Ms horse. Aaron 
Cook was shot down in cold blood after capture, and his body left in the 
road, where it was found shortly after. In all probability he was murdered 
by Jackman's Brigade. 

Adjutant Dutton thus writes : "Aaron Cook, taken prisoner by Shelby's 
men, was one of the early settlers, and a bold, fearless, outspoken champion 
of the principles of freedom; always active and earnest in the good cause; 
generous to a fault, but uncompromising in his political faith; a kind husband 
and father, and left a large family to mourn his sad fate." 



336 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

David Fults. — On Sunday, Oclober 23rd, between 4 and 5 P.M., two 
gentlemen found a wounded man near Little Santa Fe, who gave his name 
as David Fults, Company "I," 2d Regiment Kansas State Militia. His state- 
ment was that having been separated from his regiment at the Big Blue the 
day before, he fell in with a body of our cavalry, which he believed to be 
Colonel Jennison's regiment. He told several soldiers who he was ; also 
told the commander, whom he believed to be Colonel Jennison, the same 
story, but the officer declared him a rebel bushwhacker, and ordered him to 
be shot. The unfortunate man was wounded in the small of the back and 
in the leg. The first ball passed through his body. They left him where he 
was found. He died shortly afterwards. 

This statement created much indignation, and by G-eneral Curtis' orders 
was investigated. Lieutenant J. M. Hubbard, Signal Officer, made an inves- 
tigation which elicited the following facts: 

David Fults resided some eleven miles southwest of Big Springs, Shawnee 
County. Another brother resides in Douglass County, and in the Campaign 
against Price was in the field with the 21st Kansas State Militia. Two other 
brothers are members of the 16th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, and two more 
have been in the Federal service in Kentucky, from which State the family 
emigrated to Kansas eight years since. 

David Fults leaves a widow and two children. He took with him on the 
campaign a horse and equipments, of which the family have never been able 
to find any trace. 

Of the circumstances under which he was shot his family know nothing, 
except from the statement of parties who saw and conversed with him 
during the interval of time that he lived after being wounded. 

Of these statements the one most circumstantial is that of John J. Ingalls, 
who seems to have been the first man that discovered him after those at 
whose hands he received his wounds had passed on and left him. To Mr. 
Ingalls, after stating his name, residence, and the company and regiment 
of K. S. M. to which he belonged, he said that he had been separated from his 
command in the fight of the preceding day, and while endeavonng to avoid 
the enemy, and rejoin it, at about noon of tlia-t day (Oct. 23rd) had fallen iu 
with Jennison's command, then in pursuit of the retreating rebels. He 
told them his story, but Colonel Jennison refused to credit it, or give him 
time and opportunity to prove it ; cursed him as a liar and a rebel, and 
ordered his men to shoot him, which they did, and taking his horse and 
equipments with them, left him where he fell. 

Major E. G. Moon, Aide-de-Camp to General Deitzler, and Dr. S. E. 
Martin, Surgeon 2d Kansas State Militia, both of Topeka, and Mr. Silas 
Lyons, a neighbor and member of the same company with the deceased, also 



FULTS. 337 

saw and conversed with him before his death, and to them he repeated the 
same statement in all essential particulars. lie did not tell either of these 
parties upon what he relied to identify Colonel Jeunison. His fatlier and 
brother both stated in answer to inquiries, that as for as tliey knew lie had 
never seen Colonel Jennison, and could not therefore be able to identify him 
from personal knowledge. Other information hearing upon the question of 
identity, and also upon the circumstances of the shooting, is as follows: 

Nathaniel D. tlorton, Chief Bugler 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, states 
that he accompanied Colonel Moonlight in the pursuit of the rebels from 
Shawnee Mission southward, on the 23rd of October last, and tliat wlien 
about five miles out, a young man dressed in homespun clothing, similar to 
that worn by the rebels, rode out of a field on the left of the road and joined 
the column. Colonel Moonlight called him to the head of the column, and 
demanded of him who he was, where he belonged, and what he was doing 
there. His answer was in substance that he belonged to the Kansas Militia, 
but that he had been compelled to join them against his will, and had left 
them the day previous with the intention of joining the rebels. 

This last point seemed rather to be inferred bj^ his hearers than explicitly 
stated by himself ; and the inference rested, at least in part, upon an assump- 
tion that he had mistaken the character of the command he had joined, and 
supposed it to be rebel. Horton thinks his exact words were, "I've been 
wanting to get with you," though he would not speak positively in regard to 
the language used. 

Proceeding apparently upon the assumption referred to above. Colonel 
Moonlight repeated once or twice, in form slightly varying, a question, the 
substance of wliich was, " Would j'ou rather go with the Feds, or with us?" 
Each time the answer of the stranger was in substance, "I would rather go 
with you," upon which Colonel Moonlight declared himself satisfied, and 
ordered him to be shot. He turned to run, but was shot by Adjutant Tabor 
and Quartermaster-Sergeant Cowan before he had gone many steps, and was 
left by the road side still living, but judged to be mortally wounded. 

The material portions of this statement are corroborated by 1st Lieutenant 
Wm. G. Drew, Company "I," 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, who was at 
that time riding at the head of the column, and also by Q\iartermaster- 
Sergeant Wm. H. Cowan, who was one of the parties that did the sliooting. 

Lieutenant Drew says that the horse ridden by the stranger was seized by 
some one in the column, he thinks by Private E. G. Ham of Company " K." 
Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb, 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, states that when 
this affair took place, he was riding sufficiently near the head of the column 
to notice the shooting, but not near enough to hear the words that preceded 
and led to it. He noticed the man was still living as be passed him, and 

42 



338 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. 

saw the Assistant Surgeon of the regiment, Dr. D. J. Adams, and the Chap- 
lain, J. S. Kline, dismount and hold some conversation with him. 

All these parties unite in the statement that the affiiir occurred at a time 
of intense excitement, and that it occupied but a very few moments, occa- 
sioning no halt, and scarce any delay in the march of the column. Eev. 
J. S. Kline, Chaplain 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, states that while accom- 
panying his regiment in pursuit of the rebels on the 23rd of October, 18G4, 
his attention was arrested by seeing the Assistant Surgeon of the regiment, 
Dr. Adams, dismounted and talking with a wounded man dressed in home- 
spun butternut colored clothing. 

When Mr. KUne came up the wounded man was insisting that he was a 
citizen of Kansas, and a member of the militia, which statement Dr. Adams 
refused to credit, and told him he was mortally wounded and had better tell 
the truth. He still adhered to his first statement, and in answer to questions 
from Mr. Kline, stated further that he lived in Shawnee County, and 
belonged to Colonel Yeale's regiment of militia, and that his name waa 
Pults. Mr. Kline tested him by a number of questions in regard to localities 
and persons in Shawnee County, all of which he answered correctly, evinc- 
ing an amount of local information which none but a resident, would be 
likely to possess, and which fully satisfied Mr. Kline of the truth of his state- 
ments. He said furtlier that he had become separated from his regiment the 
day previous, had remained secreted in the timber over night, and was 
trying to make his way back to his friends when he fell in with that column, 
and that the Colonel had ordered him to be shot without giving him" an 
opportunity of proving his account of himself true. 

All these parties agree in fixing the locality of this affair as the same where 
young Fults was found later in the same day by Messrs. Ingalls and Moon, 
and that the whole chain of evidence seems to establish beyond question the 
identity of the man shot by Colonel Moonlight's order, with the one found 
by Ingalls, and identified the next morning by Mr. Lyon as his acquaintance 
and neighbor David Fults. 

Of course this conclusion absolves Colonel Jennison from all rcsponsibihty 
in the premises. In regard to the circumstances attending the shooting, a 
material difference will be noticed between the account given by Mr. Fults 
and that given by other witnesses. To account for this, it is not in my 
opinion necessary to impeach the veracity of either party. There seems to 
have been a fatal misunderstanding between them. It was very likely true 
in Fults' case, as in thousands of others, that he was compelled to come out 
with the militia, and he may have made the statement casually, and without 
a thought of the suspicion which it would fasten upon him. So too his 
statement of his separation from his command on the preceding day, and hia 



MAJOR-GEKEEAL CURTIS. 339 

liis efforts to rejoin it, may have been given in perfect innocence, and yet in 
such terms as to strengthen in the minds of those who heard him, the 
suspicion that he was at heart a rebel— a deserter from our flag, and that he 
supposed himself talking with rebels at that time. 

So also, in answer lo Colonel Moonlight's final questions, not understand- 
ing the suspicions with which he was regarded, he may have deemed it 
amply sufficient to declare his wish " to go with them." 

On the other hand, it should be borne in mind that his personal appear- 
ance, dress, and the place, and manner of his joining the command, all 
combined to make him an object of suspicion, and that those who had stood 
in battle against the rebel foe for nearly a week, and then had just prevented 
the desolation of their homes, could hardly be expected at that time, and 
under such circumstances, to exercise a cool and deliberate judgment. 



MAJOR-GENERAL S. R. CURTIS, 

COMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF THE BORDER. 

Major-General Samuel Ryan Curtis is a member of an old Connectictit 
family, which counts honored names of patriotic soldiers of the Revolution. 
He was born in 1806, while the family were moving into Oliio, and is now 
in his sixtieth year. 

His career has been emphatically that of a western man, and his name is 
associated with the rapid progress of that section. He lived in Ohio, until 
being appointed Cadet, he went to West Point. There he graduated credit- 
ably, and was commissioned 2d Lieutenant of Infantry, in which capacity, 
and as 1st Lieutenant and Captain, we believe, he served for several years. 
He resigned and practised law in Ohio. When the Mexican war occurred he 
was Adjutant-General of the State, and was commissioned Colonel of the 2d 
Ohio Volunteers. Proceeding to Mexico, he was placed in positions where 
his large administrative abilities were brought into use. He was Military 
Governor of an important point, and while acting in that capacity, organized 
a column of troops and marched to the relief of General Taylor at Buena 
Vista, where he arrived at the termination of the engagement, but still in 
time to be of considerable service. 

On his return to Ohio he embraced the profession of engineer, and wag 
for several years thereafter engaged in building up the great railroad .systems 
of the West. He was afterwards engineer of St. Louis, and materially aided 
in saving to that city its invaluable landing and levee. He was afterwards 
appointed engineer of the Des Moines Improvement, Iowa, and made his 
residence at Keokuk, where he still lives. He was one of the most active in 



340 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

inaugurating the Iowa system of railroads, and bringing the Pacific Railroad 
movement to success. 

He was the first Republican elected to Congress from Iowa, and was 
reelected to the House of Representatives in session when the rebellion 
began. He soon laid down the toga and took up the sword. We brief 
his latter military career, full of interest as it is, as follows : 

Marched as Volunteer Aid with New York Ith Regiment to Washington 
City, April, 1861; elected and commissioned Colonel 2d Regiment Iowa 
Infantry Volunteers, June 1st, 1861 ; marched with his regiment, captured and 
occupied Hannibal and St. Joseph Railway in Missouri, from June 13th, 1861, 
to June 30th, 1861. Wliile attending extra session of Congress was present 
at the Battle of Bull Rvm, Virginia, July 21st, 1861. Commissioned Briga- 
dier-General United States Volunteers, to date from Maj^ nth, 1861. Re- 
ported to General Fremont at St. Louis, Missouri, and assumed command of 
camp'of instruction at Jeflerson Barracks, August, 1861. Assumed command 
of camp of instruction at Benton Barracks, Missouri, September 12th, 1861. 
Assumed command of St. Louis District of Missouri, October, 1861. Assumed 
command of the Southwestern District of Missouri December 26th, 1861. 
Having marched from Rolla, Missouri, to Lebanon, Missouri, in January, 
1862, organized "The Army of the Southwest," and assumed command of 
it, February, 1862. Marched from Lebanon to Pierson's Creek, Missouri. 
In command at the skirmish with Price at Pierson's Creek, February 13th, 
1862. Marched into Springfield, Missouri, after its evacuation by Price, 
February 14th, 1862. In command of the Army of the Southwest on the 
ensuing marcli in pursuit of Price from Springfield, Missouri, to Fayetteville 
and Cross Hollows, Arkansas, February, 1862. Commanded at the skirmish 
with Price at Flat Creek, Missouri, February 15th, 1862, and during the 
skirmishing in Cross Timber Hollows, Arkansas, on February 16th, 1862, and 
at the engagement at Sugar Creek, Arkansas, February 11th, 1862. Occu- 
pied Cross Hollows, Arkansas, February 22d, 1862. Concentrated the army 
at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March, 1862. Commanded at the battle of Pea 
Ridge March 6th, 1th and 8th, 1862. Camped at Cross Timber Hollows, 
Arkansas, March, 1862. Promoted Major-General of Volunteers, March, 
1862. Commanded same army in the ensuing march through Missouri and 
Arkansas to Batesville, Arkansas, from April 5th to May 3rd, 1862. Com- 
manded at Batesville May 3rd, 1862. Marched to Little Red River and 
Searcy Landing, Arkansas, back to Batesville, and thence to Jacksonport, 
Arkansas, May and June 1862. Commanded on march through Arkansas 
from Jacksonport, July 1st, to Clarendon, Arkansas, and thence to Helena, 
Arkansas, July 14th, 1862. Commanded at Round Hill, Arkansas, July 1th, 
1862. Captured and occupied Helena, Arkansas, July 14th, 1862. Com- 



majoe-geneeal cuetis. 341 

manded United States forces at Helena, Ark., and vicinity from July 14th, 'C2, 
to August 29th, 1862. On leave of absence from August 29th, 1862, to 
September 24:th, 1862. In command of the Department of the Missouri 
from September 24th, 1862, to May 24th, 1863, when being relieved from 
command, remained at home in Iowa until January. During his command 
of Department of Missouri, organized the Army of the Frontier, under 
General Schofield, and afterwards Generals Blunt and Herron. The latter 
ofBcers won the battles of Cane Hill, Prairie Grove and Van Buren. Sent 
troops to Grenada, Mississippi, also drove out Shelby and Marmadulie, 
during their raids in South-East Missouri. In command of Department of 
Kansas, from January IGtli, 1864, to February 7tli, 1865. On a campaign 
against hostile Indians in Kansas and Nebraska, July, August and September, 
1864. In command of Kansas troops, volunteer and militia, known as the 
" Army of the Border," in the pursuit of Price from the Missouri to the 
Arkansas river, on the Missouri and Arkansas border, October and November, 

1864. Commanded at the following engagements in the pursuit of Price 
along the border: Little Blue, October 21st, '64; Big Blue, October 22d, 
'64; Westport, October 23rd, '64; .Marias des Cygnes, Mine Creek, Osage, 
and Chariot, October 25th, '64; Newtonia, October 28th, '64. Terminated 
the pursuit of Price on the banks of the Arkansas River, thirty miles west 
of Fort Smith, November 8th, 1864, -land returned to Fort Leavenworth. 
Relieved of tlie command of the Department of Kansas, February 7th, 1865. 
Assumed command of the Department of the North- West, February 16th, 

1865, of which he was relieved July 26th. 

No officer in the army deserves greater credit than General Curtis, for the 
uniform success and devotion he has won and shown. No citizen deserves 
more of his State or nation. Always faithful, earnest, judicious and ener- 
getic, the future will recognize him as one of the most sagacious and truest 
of the host who have gained immortal renown. General Curtis was a suc- 
cessful and influential politician, with admirable abilities for the post he held. 
He went into the war because the services of men witla military education 
were needed. He has borne misrepresentation and slander witliout a mur- 
mur. The victim of a political cabal, while commanding in Missouri, he 
was not allowed to correct all wrong. Conscious of his own integrity, and 
certain that his acts would judge him rightfully, he leaves active service 
with tlie flattering certainty of iiaving done his whole duty in the nation's 
hour of trial. Nor has he escaped affliction. His eldest son. Major H. Z. 
Curtis, was wounded by Quantrell's butchers, at Baxter's Springs, October 
19th, 1863. His daughter fell a victim to disease and exposure in the hos- 
pitals at Rolla, Missouri, in early Summer of 62. 



34:2 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

General Curtis is a man of noble presence. In stature about six feet, large 
and well proportioned. His head is a large and well balanced one; brow 
high and well developed; eyes that are dark, thoughtful, yet full of fire, 
while the expression of his countenance is that of a grave, dignified man of 
intellect. A thorough gentleman, always mindful of the courtesies of life, 
it is not alone as a public man, statesman, and soldier, that he has won the 
regards of the people. A warm and earnest friend, and a magnanimous, 
generous foe, General Curtis is universally respected and honored by all 
who know him. 



HON. JAMES H. LANE, 

UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM KANSAS. 

James Henry Lane, was born inLawrenceburgh, Indiana, June 22d, 1814, 
and is now 51 years of age. His father, Honorable Amos Lane, was one of 
the most active public men in Indiana. For a number of years he repre- 
sented the Territory and State in Congress, and was a warm partizan and 
personal friend of President Jackson. His mother was a superior woman, 
possessed of high moral and fine intellectual character. She was a poetess 
of no mean order. Her memory is preserved by her sons, as only that of a 
good mother can be. • 

Senator Lane was carefully educated, his mother intending him for the 
ministry. His own taste turned for the law, for which he qualified himself, 
and was admitted to practice in 1840. During the Mexican war. Lane 
entered the service, enlisting as a private, in May, 1846. Immediately 
thereafter, he was elected Colonel of the 3rd Indiana Regiment, known as 
the "Steadfasts." In this capacity he served with distinguished honor 
throughout General Taylor's entire campaign. His services, and that of his 
regiment, at the battle of Buena Vista, have become matters of history. 
After their term of service had expired, he returned with it in June, 1847. 
The 5th Regiment was immediately organized by Colonel Lane. With it he 
returned to Mexico, and remained in the City of Mexico till peace was 
declared. On his return, he was, in 1849, elected Lieutenant Governor of 
Indiana. In October, 1852, elected to Congress from the 4th Congressional 
District. In November of the same year, was chosen Elector for the State 
at large on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Lane followed devotedly in his 
father's footsteps in this regard. He was in Congress during the memorable 
contest over the Douglas Kansas- Nebraska Bill, to which he was not at 
first favorabfe. Parly influences succeeded in securing his vote for the* 
repeal of the Missouri Compromise. In April, 1855, Colonel Lane removed 
to Lawrence, Kansas, settling on the farm where he now lives. In a short 



SENATOR LAISTE. 343 

time he became an active Free State man, participating largely in all the 
movements inaugurated to resist the pro-slavery domination. He was one 
of the prominent leaders in inaugurating what is now known as the Topeka 
Free State' Government, being appointed Chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee, organized at the Big Springs Convention, of wliich body he was the 
most active member. Colonel Lane was most untiring in the canvass, and 
when tJie Topeka Constitutional Convention assembled, was elected President 
of that body. 

When the Missouri Border Rufflans invaded Kansas, besieging Lawrence, 
in the winter of '55-'6, Colonel Lane was elected commander of the Free 
State forces organized for defence. He contributed largely to that sagacious 
activity and policy which resulted in the departure and defeat of the pro- 
slavery forces, and yet did not cmb-oil us with the General Government, 
then on the pro-slavery side. In March, 185G, with Governor Reeder, 
General Lane was elected to the United States Senate, and sent to Wash- 
ington to secure the admission of Kansas as a free State. While on this 
mission, intelligence was received of the sacking of Lawrence, May 21st, 
1856, by the Missouri Raiders, under Atchison and Stringfellow. 

Lane at once threw himself into the work of defence, and aided in organ- 
izing that large Northern emigration, the presence and active aid of which, 
ill August and September following, secured the freedom of Kansas. General 
Lane marched across Iowa with a number of companies, consolidated them 
in Nebraska, and early in August entered Kansas. Then rapidly followed, 
under the leadership of the Senator elect, a series of movements which 
resulted in tlie driving out of the Missouri invaders. His career then, as 
afterwards, is the history of Kansas. In 1857, General Lane, with a force, 
marclied to the assistance of the Free State men of Liiin and Bourbon 
counties, driving out and subduing the remnants of Border Ruffianism which 
had congregated at Fort Scott. During the same year, he was elected 
Delegate to, and subsequently President of, tlic Constitutional Convention, 
■which met at Leavenworth. In 1858, the terrible misfortune occurred 
which resulted in the death of Gains Jenkins at tlie hands of General Lane. 
The difficulty grew out of a dispute in relation to tl\e claim, on which the 
Lane homestead is situated. The General was placed on his preliminary 
trial, and released on the ground of self-defence. Efforts were made to 
indict him before the Grand Jury, but each failed. The general impression 
made on the community was tliat of justifiable homicide. 

Kansas was admitted in February, 1861, and shortly after, General Lane 
was elected to represent the State in tlie United States Senate. He was iu 
Washington during all tlie earliest and darkest hours before tlic gun at 
Sumpter aroused the people to arms. As commander of the Frontier Guard, 



344 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

General Lane did good service in guarding the President, and generally 
aiding the work of organization. He was tlien, as afterwards, till liia 
lamented death, tlie confidential and trusted friend of President Lincoln. 
In July and August, 1861, he raised three regiments of volunteers. At the 
same time he was commissioned Brigadier- General, but did not muster in. 
He, however, assumed command of the brigade, and until November fol- 
lowing, had command thereof in the field. Lane's Brigade, as it was called, 
did good service, defeating the rebels in several well contested fights; and 
by its activity and good management, protected the State of Kansas from 
invasion. In 1862, General Lane was confirmed Brigadier-General by the 
Senate. It was intended tliat he should have command of an expedition in 
the Soutli-west, but owing to causes not necessary to name here, the idea 
was abandoned, and General Lane resumed his seat in the Senate. In '63, 
he was appointed by Mr. Stanton a Recruiting Commissioner for the Depart- 
ment of Kansas, and under this authority raised five regiments of infantry; 
one of them being the famous First Kansas Colored Regiment, now numbered 
in the Corps d'Afrique, as the 16th. This was the first regiment actually 
raised by the United States (the two regiments of Louisiana Home Guards, 
being State troops, first organized by the rebels, whose services were 
accepted by General Butler). It fought the first fight under the fiag, at 
Island Mound, Bates County, Missouri, October 26th, 1862. 

General Lane narrowly escaped from the Lawrence massacre in August, 
1863. He was the leader of the pursuit which followed that wholesale 
butchery, and advocated measures which added bitterness to the quarrels 
that in Missouri had disrupted the Union men. He remained at his post, in 
discharge of his duties as Senator, till the Fall of '64, when the advance of 
General Price, and the events which the preceding pages have narrated, 
caused him to take the field again, as Volunteer Aid-de-Camp to General 
Curtis. In this capacity he served most gallantly, participating in the battles 
of Lexington, Little and Big Blue, Westport, Marias des Cygnes, Osage and 
Chariot. 

In the Winter of '64-'5, General Lane was re-elected United States 
Senator for the term Commencing the 4th of March, 1866. 

Such is a brief outline of the career of General James II. Lane. He has 
had an extraordinary experience, is a man of great ability and-possessod of 
wonderful energy, endurance and versatility. This his enemies acknowledge. 
Opinions difier very widely as to his character. No public man has had 
warmer partizans or bitterer foes. On the other hand, no State ever had a 
more indefatigable representative. He has linked his name to its history, 
and so interwoven his personal success into its interests, that the name of 
Kansas naturally calls up that of Senator Lane. 



BRIGADIER-GElSrERAL M<'jST:IL. 345 

General Lane is tall, spare and sinewy. His frame is muscular and 
nervous. He has a high, long head, strong features, high cheek bones, 
square chin, firm, hard-lined mouth, deep-set eyes of grey and hazel com- 
bined, which are full of magnetic fire. His manner, socially, is pleasant 
and courteous. As a stump speaker — given an impassioned theme — he is 
unequalled in arousing his audience. As a managing politician, judged by 
success, he is without a peer. Whatever may be his faults, whatever may 
be said of his personal character, the struggle for freedom has had in him 
an invaluable ally, and the ruder contestants in that important strife, au 
able, vigilant and capable leader. 



BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN McNEIL, 

OF MISSOURI. 

John McNeil, was born of American parents, 'in the British Provinces, 
land is now about 45 years of age. At an early age he moved to Boston, 
where he learned the hatter's trade. Shortly afterwards he commenced 
and failed in business in New York city. Afterwards moving to St. Louis, 
he entered into business. He was very successful, continuing therein for 
twenty-five years, making a large fortune, a large portion of whicii he 
lost by the Southern- Rebellion. In politics McNeil always was a strong 
Democrat. The rebel leaders counted confidently on his support. But his 
patriotism was stronger than his partizanship, and when the lamented Lyon 
took command in St. Louis, McNeil was one among the first to place himself 
by his side. On the 8th of May, McNeil was first sworn into the service. 
He fought Harris, a rebel Brigadier, at Fulton, routing him utterly. He 
was then placed by General Fremont in command of St. LouLs, and was 
afterwards made Provost-Marshal-General. 

He waa commissioned Colonel of the 19th Missouri Volunteers — known as 
the Lyon Regiment — August 3rd. For this position he was sele6ted by 
General Lyon himself At his own request he was afterwards transferred 
to the command of State troops and placed in command of Western Missouri, 
next to the Kansas line. 

In the Spring of '62, he assumed command of a cavalry regiment, apd of 
the District of North-East Missouri, containing the Hannibal and St. Joseph- 
Railroad, a most important line of communication. The position was a very 
responsible one. the district being very disturbed and the rebels active, A 
rising took place in July, '62, under the lead of Porter, Cobb and Poindexter, 
who committed many gross outrages. Colonel McNeil moved against Porter, 
pursuing and fighting him until August 6tli, when, at Kirksville, Adair 

43 



346 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 

County, he defeated the rebels. McNeil had 1,034 men; Porter 3,000. ^ 
The rebel leader had a narrow escape from capture, while his forces were 
completely routed. Our loss was five killed, thirty-five wounded; the 
enemy's was one hundred. and fifty killed, four hundred wounded, and forty- 
seven prisoners. Among these were fifteen who had been previously 
paroled, and were now in arms in violation of its terms. ' Acting \mder the 
recognized laws of war, and by authority of orders from General Halleck, 
Colonel McN^eil shot these fifteen men. For his success in the defeat of 
Porter, Colonel McNeil was made Brigadier in the State troops. At this 
time he inaugurated a sj^stem of active hostilities. The parole-breaker and 
bushwhacker met no mercy at his hands. He now established his camp 
in Milnroe County. This was the worst section in Northern Missouri. 
Announcing that where Union men could not live, rebels sliould not, General 
McNeil proceeded to break up the guerrilla and recruiting camps. On the 
14th of September, having destroyed the last, head-quarters were established 
at Palmyra, on the railroad, west of Hannibal. 

Here occurred those events which first gave General McNeil a national 
reputation. Andrew AUsman, an old and respected Union citizen of the 
county, was taken prisoner from his home by the guerrilla Colonel Porter. 
General McNeil was appealed to by Allsman's friends. Having a number of 
prisoners, among whom were a score of parole-breakers, he selected ten of 
the worst, and notified Porter, that, unless Allsmau was restored to his 
friends by noon, October 18th, these ten men should be hung in retaliation. 
They had all made themselves liable to this fate by their violation of the 
oath. Allsman was not returned to his friends, having been murdered. At 
the time named, the ten bushwhackers were hung. 

This act, the first distinct carrying out of a retaliatory policy on our part, 
created great excitement throughout both sections. Rebel .sj'mpathizers 
in the North denounced McNeil. Abroad, capital was eagerly manufac- 
tured by distorted accounts. Jefferson Davis demanded the suvrender of 
McNeil as a murderer and violator of the laws of war. The Government 
and the people sustained General McNeil, and he was rewarded by a com- 
mission as Brigadier- General, United States Volunteers. 

He remained in command of North-East Missouri, when having effectually 
quieted it, he was relieved and put in command of South-East Missouri. He 
.was in this command, when, in the Spring of '63, Marmaduke made one of 
his most famous raids. General McNeil was besieged in Cape Girardeau, 
which he gallantly defended, ultimately driving them away. In July of the 
same year, he was transferred to the command of South-West Missouri. In 
the following October, he was President of a Court-Martial at St. Louis. 
Shelby making his celebrated raid. General McNeil rapidly concentrated 



BEIGADIEE-GENERAL MCNEIL. 347 

troops, joining them in St. Clair Count3^ Instant pursuit was made and 
rapidly followed up. Shelby crossed the Osage in two columns. McNeil 
pursued him till near Huutsvillo, Arkansas, where he was joined by Colonel 
Brooks. He could not bring them to a fight, though outnumbering him four 
to one. The pursuit was continued till the enemy crossed the Arkansas. 
Their last guii was captured, as also much of their train, and many prisoners. 
At Clarksville, Arkansas, General McNeil received orders to take command 
at Fort Smith. He held this till January, '64. 

Early in the Spring, he was ordered to the Department of the Gulf He 
reported to General Banks at the close of the disastrous Red River Cam- 
paign, and was placed in command of the District of Lafourche, at the time 
New Orleans was seriously threatened in that direction by General Dick 
Taylor. The district was a very important one, requiring great vigilance on 
the part of commander and troops, to counteract the enemy's plans. He 
received the thanks of the commanding General, and at his own request, 
was placed in command of the ''Corps d'Afrique," with head-quarters at 
Port Hudson. 

In August he was ordered, by the War Department, to Missouri. The 
change was made by request of loyal Missourians. There he was placed in 
command of the District of Rolla. He was at this post when Price invaded 
Missouri. What he did therein, forms part of this history. 

One correction is necessary. General McNeil was court-martialed under 
charges made by General Pleasanton. When the prosecution closed their 
case. General McNeil was informed that he need not call any witnesses, as the 
court was perfectly satisfied. Resting on this assurance, the General made 
no defence, when he could most completely have done so. The surprise 
of all was great when the findings of the court — three months' suspension 
of rank and pay — was announced. The case was referred to the Judge- 
Advocate-General, by who^l the finding was revoked, and General McNeil 
was restored in honor to his rank and duty. This correction is necessary, 
as on page 111 it is stated that the court acquitted him. 

After this, General McNeil was placed in command of the District of 
Central Missouri, which he held till after the surrender of Lee and Johnston, 
when he resigned. 

lie is now in St. Louis, engaged as actively in civil life as he has been in 
military. 

General McNeil is a man of five feet ten inches, deep-chested, broad- 
shouldered, capable of withstanding great fatigue; martial in spirit, hois 
very soldierly in appearance. He is a strict disciplinarian, and vigorou.s 
fighter. His features are strongly moulded, nose Roman, forehead broad 
and compact, brain broad at the base, head well developed, mouth stem 



348 AEMY OF THE BORDER. 

and firm, liglit hair and beard, sprinkled with grey, and flashing blue-grey 
eyes. His speech is like his acts — curt, brusque, yet weighty. His words 
are indeed bullets, full of force. 



BATTLE OP THE LITTLE OSAGE. 

The following letter of Major Hunt will be found of interest and value. 
It is published by permission of Colonel Benteen: 

Office OniEF of Artillery, Dept. of Kansas, ) 
Fort Leavenworth, Janvxiry Qth, 1865. ) 

Lieutenant-Colonel T. W. Benteen, 10th Cavalry, Missouri Vols. 

Colonel, — In compliance with your request, for a statement of the facta 
of that charge on Mine Creek, October 25 th, 1864, as to what brigade led it, 
made the attack, broke the rebel lines, continued the pursuit, &c., also as 
to whether the brigade you commanded " either faltered or fell back." 

I take great pleasure in writing to you the following account of what 
occurred on the 25th October. 1864, in the engagement of that date, 
between the Union forces under Generals Curtis, Pleasanton and Blunt, 
against the enemy, so far as came under my observation. It would be 
necessary, for an intelligent statement, to give some account of matters 
preliminary to the charge on Mine Creek, to which, I take it, your letter 
asking information specially refers. 

As will be remembered, on the evening of the 24th, the column under 
General Curtis in pursuit of Price was halted at "West Point, Missouri, eiglit 
miles west of the trading post situated on the north side of the Marias dcs 
Cygnes, for the purpose of changing the order of march, which is the custom. 
General Blunt with the 1st Division was in front, General Pleasanton with 
his division of cavalry took the front or right of the army; General Sanborn's 
Brigade was then in advance; three companies of the 2d Colorado Cavalry, 
under Captain Kingsbury (forming the advance guard of General Blunt's 
Division) moved on towards the Trading Post. Having no knowledge of 
the change, and supposing themselves supported, they attacked and drove in 
the enemy's pickets. Captain R. J. Hinton, Aid-de-Camp to Major-General 
Blunt, had followed this battahon during the delay caused by the change of 
divisions. Finding that Captain Kingsbury was skirmishing with the enemy, 
he sent back word to General Sanborn and General Blunt to that effect. 
General Sanborn on reaching Elder Williams, about two miles from the Post, 
sent Colonel Gravelly with his regiment or brigade to relieve the Colorado 
Cavalry. He himself believing the enemy strongly posted on the mounds 



BATTLE OF THE LITTLE OSAGE. 349 

flanking the road through the timber on the Marias des Cygnes, withdrew his 
own Unes half a mile north of where Kingsbury had skirmished. The night 
was dark, and General Sanborn pleaded this, and the want of topographical 
knowledge, as reasons for not feeling the enemy in force, and ascertainmg 
his position more definitely. This is ihe statement made to Major Weed, 
Major McKenny, Captain Meeker and myself, when by order of General 
Curtis we vs-^ere sent to find General Sanborn. A report was duly made to 
General Curtis, who immediately sent an order to General Sanborn to get a 
battery into position, shell the enemy, and under cover of this move upon 
him. General Sanborn complied ; the other officers with the exception of 
Captain Hinton returned to head-quarters. I inviting the Captain to go 
along, we rode to our advanced line, aroused Captain Kingsburj^'s battalion 
from bivouac, and moved towards the rebel pickets on tlie mound east of 
the road. Informing Colonel Gravelly of my intention, and inviting him to 
accompany us, he did so, and by the aid of bis advance, and the second 
Colorado, during the storm and rain the enemy's rear guard was driven and 
the mound carried. The hill west of the road was also carried after daylight, 
by a force which I afterwards learned was the 4tli Iowa Cavalry, part of 
your command. The movement with which Captain Hinton and myself 
were associated commenced between tliree and four o'clock a.m., was 
carried out by my direction, acting in accordance with General Curtis' 
wishes, which were to press the enemy in order to save Southern Kansas. 
It is not necessary to particularize the incidents which followed so rapidly 
after sunrise of the 25th. It is however necessary to state tliat when 
General Sanborn's artillery opened, I was compelled to go back and have the 
position of the guns changed, as our advance was in more danger from the 
shells than from the enemy. After tlie hills were carried and as the enemy 
got into motion. Generals Sanborn and Pleasanton rode up to the crest of 
the east mound, the former unattended save perhaps by some orderlies. 
General Sanborn complained of having no staff with him to communicate 
his orders. Our services were offered to General Pleasanton, who requested 
us to report to General Sanborn. We acted as Aids in the skirmish at the Ford 
and in the bottom beyond, where the 2d Arkansas Cavalry (Colonel Phelps' 
and Captain Kingsbury's Col. Battalion) charged the enemy's guns which 
were shelling our advance. They were routed after a most desperate effort 
to maintain their position. It was at this time I knew of j'our presence. 
Colonels Philips' and Gravelly' s brigades, were advancing in column in 
pursuit of tlie enemy whose rear had rapidly fallen back towards Fort Scott, 
which it was evident was the goal of Price's efforts. With these troops I 
and other officers of General Curtis' staff moved for about three miles or 
more. Amongst these otficers were Colonel S. J. Crawford, 2nd Colored 



350 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. 

Volunteers, Colonel C. W. Blair, 14th Kansas Yolunteer Cavalry, Major 
"Wead of General Curtis' and Captain Hinton of General Blunt's staff, whose 
division vv^as in the rear. Not a general officer nor one of the staff officers 
other than those named were with these advanced brigades. Both Philips' 
and Gravelly' s brigades advanced as quick as possible, and in good order, 
until within one thousand yards or less of the enemy, who had massed their 
best troops — not less than 15.000 stropg — from four to six lines deep in our 
front, north of Mine Creek, and then opened upon us with seven or eight 
guns, when they checked our further progress. A portion of our centre 
seemed to waver and become disorganized. Our artillery was in the rear. 
Colonel Crawford and other staff ofl&cers suggested that less disaster would 
occur to us by charging than by receiving the enemy's fire. You were 
coming up on the left of our line and facing the enemy's right. I rode 
towards you, and in the name of General Curtis ordered you to form and 
charge the enemy ; this you promptly responded to, and though your brigade 
was the last of the three, it was the first to charge, the other brigades follow- . 
ing in the right, breaking their lines completely, and pursuing them energet- 
ically across the creek. Your command neither faltered nor fell back, and 
only gave up pursuit when an order from General Pleasanton, directing a halt, 
was received, which order did not arrive until after our guns had shelled 
your troops. There was difficulty in getting some of the Missouri State Mihtia 
to charge, as they were exposed to a terrible fire of musketry and artillery, 
and it is my conviction had it not been for the presence of your veteran 
troops, and their cheers, which inspired tlie whole line, that we would at 
last have received a temporary check, whereas a brilliant and glorious 
victory was -achieved. I do not say this in disparagement of Missouri troops 
(under other officers) who deserve great credit — whose courage and bravery 
cannot be doubted, especially those under Gravelly, who signally provpd 
their heroism in the night attack on the mound. The battle at Mine Creek 
was participated in by an addition to your own and other brigades — the 
battalion of Colorado Volunteers, and one hundred and sixty men of Major 
Hopkins' 2d Kansas Cavalry, Captain Gove of the 11th Kansas Volunteer 
Cavalry, which were sent to the front by General Curtis immediately after 
the engagement near the Trading Post, under the command of Colonel Cloud, 
2d Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, and Aid-de-Camp. The charge of Mine Creek 
was directed by Major-General Curtis through his staff officers. Colonels 
Crawford, Blair, Cloud, Volunteer Aid-de-Camp, Major "Weed and Captain 
Hinton, Aid-dc-Camp of General Blunt's staff, who charged with the extreme 
lefl of your brigade through the corn field, and endeavored to attack tlie 
enemy as he was emerging in disorder from the timber south of the corn 
field, which efibrt was defeated by tlie shell from our own guns. These 



BATTLE OT THE LITTLE OSAGE. 351 

offteers personally assisted in executing the orders they gave. Neither Gen- 
eral Pleasanton nor General Sanborn, nor were any of the proper staff there 
until after the gallant charge, and the successful breaking of the enemy's 
lines. In the subsequent operations of that day, so far as your brigade came 
under my observation, it was always with or in the advance, and doing as 
good worli: aS in the morning. When, owing to General Pleasanton aban- 
doning the pursuit — during the engagement at Chariot — General Curtis witii 
a portion of his staff moved to Fort Scott, whither Sanborn, Pliilips and 
McFerren were marching by General Plea.santon's order, owing to which 
General McNeil was left alone to cope with the enemy, General Bhmt's 
division having been unavoidably thrown to the rear, so fiir as to render it 
unavailable at the time, your command moved to General McNeil's assist- 
ance, and until after dark with him you fought the enemy. Here again it is 
stated by Colonel Crawford and Major McKenny, Inspector-General and 
Aiu-de-Camp of General Curtis' staff, and Captain Hinton, who were at the 
front with General McNeil's brigade, that your command rendered essential 
Bervice in checking the flanking movements of the enemy, and jointly advanc- 
ing against their entire army. Throughout the remainder of the pursuit I 
can say that your command, officers and men alike, showed the same energy, 
courage, devotion and judgment which marked its conduct during October 
25th, In saying what I have, I do not mean to cast any reflections upon the 
courage of any portion of the Missouri State Militia, or to criticise the action 
of any of its officers ; on the contrary, they deserve tlie plaudits of their 
country. 

The people of Kansas, soldiers and citizens alike, owe and acknowledge 
the gratitude due them, which will not be forgotten ; but in compliance with 
your wish, I cannot refuse to state what I know as to the conduct of your 
brigade. I have sought to do this moderately and correctly, and believing 
the foregoing is the exact trnth,as to what transpired and came under my 
observation, you are at liberty to use this as you desire. 

Regretting most sincerely the unfortunate and unprofitable controversy 
which I fear will yet sully the fair fame and good repute won so hardly, and 
to be borne so proudly, by all who participated in the memorable campaign 
of the Army of the Border, 

I am, much respected sir, yours, 

(Signed) R. H. Hunt. 

Major 15th K. V. C, and Chief of Artillery, Dept. of Kansas. 



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